Interested in a Design position at Toolbox Creative?
Yes, we're looking to hire a senior designer.
Toolbox Creative is a successful graphic design firm located in Old Town Fort Collins offering an innovative, fun, smart work environment. We are looking for an experienced Designer that is able to work alongside other talented, creative individuals.
You describe yourself like this:
• Love great design, and know it when you see it
• Have great ideas and a passion for craftsmanship
• Enthusiastic and positive
• Think collaboration is the most fun you’ve ever had
• Presenting your ideas makes you giddy
Colorado Clean Energy Cluster receives grant to strengthen supply chain
By NCBR Staff
Northern Colorado Business Report
9/30/11
FORT COLLINS - The Colorado Clean Energy Cluster has received a grant from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade to help fund a statewide Clean Energy Supply Chain Development initiative.
A call to the Office of Economic Development and International Trade for the grant amount was not returned in time for this report.
The initiative aims to grow the clean energy supply chain in Colorado by identifying component suppliers and making connections between suppliers, customers and industry resources.
Marketing proposal calls for new tourism employee in Loveland
By Rebecca Powell
Loveland Connection
9/28/11
The city of Loveland is moving toward creating a new full-time tourism liason as part of a strategic plan to use lodging tax funds to boost tourism in the city.
The overall strategic plan was presented Tuesday to City Council and the Community Marketing Commission, which was created after voters approved the lodging tax in 2009 to determine how the fund should be spent. It is estimated to bring in $45,000 every month.
In addition to hiring a full-time employee to be a liason to six destination areas in the city, the plan calls for:
Loveland's marketing effort may require city staffing help
By Madeline Novey
Reporter-Herald
9/28/11
In coming months, a person or group will be asked to implement the city's new tourism and marketing plan.
Whether that person is a full-time municipal employee remains a point of debate, however, the Loveland City Council indicated Tuesday.
"If you have a bus, you need a bus driver," said City Manager Bill Cahill.
Positive affirmation: Fort Collins consumers continue shopping habits despite fluctuating global economy
By David Young
The Coloradoan
8/20/11
With recent economic turmoil and volatility on Wall Street, there has been much consternation by experts and analysts as to what it means.
Words such as inflation, debt ceiling, recession, double dip and consumer confidence have all filtered into everyday lexicon.
However, as the global economy shifts minute by minute, Fort Collins residents appear upbeat about the future.
Council sees Boulder as marketing example
By Tom Hacker
Loveland Reporter Herald
06/29/11
Loveland's success in its quest to boost tourism might require a new organization to lead the effort, a consultant told city councilors Tuesday night.
And, a model for how it could work is in place about 30 miles southwest of Loveland
Boulder is among a growing number of municipalities that have established "destination management organizations" -- agencies that are separate from visitors bureaus or chambers of commerce.
Council gets glimpse at ideas to improve city's branding
By Maria Servold
The Coloradoan: Loveland Connection
06/28/11
As a branding and marketing effort has gotten under way in Loveland, those conducting it have learned that the city does not have a solid brand and it has lots of room to improve its tourism.
19th annual Houska Houska to celebrate 'Saturday Night Alive' theme on Monday
The Coloradoan
05/26/2011
The 19th annual Houska Houska 5K Memorial Day run/walk will be from 9 a.m. to noon Monday starting and ending at Houska Automotive, 899 Riverside Ave.
The race is organized each year as the Fort Collins answer to the Bolder Boulder. Instead of creating a competitive road race event, however, the Houska family designed the Houska Houska as a community fundraiser, benefiting the Bone Marrow Program and the new Poudre Valley Cancer Center.
The 2011 race honors Garrett Karp, a Rocky Mountain High School graduate who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2009 and is continuing his recovery today.
Paint the town red, or white, or rose
By Maryjo Morgan
Northern Colorado Business Report
4/21/2011
Music throbs, laughter rings, and color splashes in bright strokes on everyone's canvas. This is an art class, an evening out with friends, good food and wine all at once. The light-hearted atmosphere mixes with untapped creativity for many participants.
Whether it's Studio Vino in Loveland, Creative Spirits in Fort Collins, or Gadabout Art at your location, it's all about art and fun. These businesses are part of a play-with-art trend sweeping the country. From Georgia to Alabama and Texas to Colorado, these studios are adamant that no art experience is necessary to attend their classes. Entertainment with friends is the main idea, but discovering your inner artist is a bonus for many.
Marketers seek input on what makes Loveland so great
By Madeline Novey
Loveland Reporter-Herald
3/31/2011
Starting today, Loveland’s greatest stakeholders — its residents — will have the opportunity to brag about why their city is a must-visit destination.
In a series of meetings with targeted groups, city-contracted Toolbox Creative marketing firm and its partner in the project, Corona Marketing Group, will set out to learn what Loveland is doing well and what it needs to improve upon in terms of attracting tourism.
It's important that company, community get it right
By Brian Willms
The Coloradoan - Loveland Connection
03/28/2011
Thanks to the Community Marketing Commission, our community has been spending a lot of time talking about branding. I find this discussion to be exciting because it demonstrates a community that is focused on growing our economy by marketing to prospective Loveland visitors.
The challenge becomes finding the most effective method for marketing Loveland to those considering a vacation or a location to host a conference or an event.
Fort Collins, the CO town for art
By Chadwick Bowman
The Rocky Mountain Collegian
03/04/2011
Living and loving Old Town, I was proud to hear our city was given the 2011 Governor’s Art Award declaring it the most artistic town in the state.
The people downtown work hard everyday to make the area a more beautiful and different place every time we visit. The fact that their efforts are recognized is important for the continuation of that good work.
The award is presented by the governor to a “Colorado town or city for their collective efforts to enhance the vitality of their community through the arts.”
Empty spaces in Old Town filled with art, activity
by Chadwick Bowman
The Rocky Mountain Collegian
Editor’s Note: Drummer for the band Cotton Keys is Nic Turiciano, an entertainment staff writer for the Collegian.
The windows were fogged up, covering the “Available for Lease” sign of the vacant storefront in Old Town. Passersby were confused as to why this seemingly abandoned location was raging with loud music and screams of young people.
This isn’t a crime scene. It’s the intuitive thinking of the Fort Collins-based program, Art Lab, and the appeal of bands like the Cotton Keys that turn the otherwise-empty real estate into something much more creative.
Issues arise with a stifling economy in that many small Old Town businesses were forced from their spaces, leaving them empty only to serve a dull and depressing purpose.
Instead, Art Lab takes these vacancies and fills them with color, movement and sounds of art galleries and performance centers.
Store Owner Gets Noticed
Living out a dream. Home furnishing store crafts items for personal taste
Story by Pat Ferrier
Originally Published on February 21, 2011 in The Coloradoan
Photo Credit: V. Richard Haro/The Coloradoan
Rod Clough, owner of The Living Space, caters to anyone seeking high-quality pieces at an affordable cost.
Question: The Living Space has been in a few different places. Explain the evolution to your spot in the Opera Galleria.
Answer: In 2009, I found myself owning the old Mountain Shop building on Mason Street. With this space available to me, I opened the home-furnishings and decor store to fill a passion I had and because I felt there was an opportunity to serve a market seeking a downtown, custom furniture and design outlet. In May, I moved the store to the Opera Galleria to position the store to grow, increase foot traffic, and to synergize with other home decor and gallery outlets in Old Town.
Art Lab Supper Club funds local artists — Sat, Oct 16
Community Dinner brings artists and patrons together to break bread
FORT COLLINS, Colorado — Described as “Casserole with a Goal”, Art Lab Super Club brings artists and patrons together to support art projects in Fort Collins. Artists and patrons alike kick in $15 and sit down for a simple, hearty locally-sourced meal prepared by local chefs. During the dinner, artists have 5 minute to pitch a project in need of funding. At the end of the evening, all diners vote to award the evening’s proceeds to one worthy artist.
Art Lab Fort Collins Kick starts a creative fundraising drive
Innovative funding platform, Kickstarter.com to help raise money for musical equipment
Art Lab Fort Collins, known for its unique perspective on the Arts & Culture scene in Fort Collins is now taking a fresh look at fundraising. Art Lab has launched a project on KickStarter.com, the fundraising website, to raise much needed funds to buy musical equipment.
Kickstarter is a new way to fund creative ideas and ambitious endeavors powered by a unique all-or-nothing funding method where projects must be fully-funded within a limited time frame or no money changes hands. Project supporters get fun, tangible rewards in exchange for their financial support. Pledges start at $5 and every supporter gets a reward. Supporters of the Art lab project will receive original mini intaglio prints, Art Lab ReShirts or screen printed posters. Pledge $500 or more and the Art Lab house band, Speed Whiskers, will bring the rock right to your doorstep with a private concert.
Bicycle transit takes center stage this week in Fort Collins
BY DREW JAYNES • Originally published in the Fort Collins Coloradoan — June 20, 2010
Fort Collins Bike to Work Day is Wednesday, but Ben Shepard has already pedaled more than 700 miles this month as part of a company-wide challenge.
Shepard, a 3-D animator for Neenan Archistruction in Fort Collins, pledged to commute by bike from Longmont, a 70-mile round trip, every day this month.
Houska owner takes on bone marrow mission
BY BOBBY MAGILL • Originally published in the Fort Collins Coloradoan — May 17, 2010
Dennis Houska, owner of Houska Automotive on Riverside Avenue in Fort Collins, has a new mission in life.
Like an undercover agent, he often plays the middle man in what sometimes seems like a Hollywood thriller-style life-and-death operation ferrying bone marrow from one end of the continent to the other.
He gets a call one day, hops a plane a few days later, makes the bone marrow pick-up on one coast, then hops another flight to make the drop on another coast - all to save the life of someone in desperate need of a transplant.
"It's kind of 'secret agent,' but it's not," Houska said.
Having raised money to fight cancer and donated his own marrow to a save a California boy’s life, Houska signed up as a volunteer bone marrow courier for the National Marrow Donor Program last fall. Since then, he has ferried marrow across the country nine times.
Art Lab exhibit features bike builders' 'babies'
BY DAVID YOUNG • Originally published in the Fort Collins Coloradoan — March 4, 2010
A new exhibit at the Art Lab is a bit off the wall. It's so off the wall that the artists can ride their works of art home when the exhibit ends this weekend.
A dozen local custom bicycle builders, or artisans, have banded together to display their unique bicycles at the Art Lab in Old Town.
Josh Kerson, president and CEO of RunAbout Cycles Inc., 517 A N. Link Lane, which designs, builds and sells electronically assisted recumbent tricycles and bicycles, conceived the idea as a way to showcase some of Fort Collins' more underground bike builders.
R&R Home Grand Opening on December 8
A new, locally owned boutique makes Fort Collins a destination for fine furniture — November 17, 2009
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – R&R Home, a locally owned fine furniture and interior design boutique, will host the grand opening of its 632 Mason Street showroom on Tuesday, December 8, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Guests will be welcomed with refreshments and gifts throughout the day.
Scenes from Colorado in the 21st Century
Art Lab brings visions of Colorado to Fort Collins as seen by seven local fine artists — December 28, 2009
FORT COLLINS, Colorado — Art Lab is a fresh way to see art in Fort Collins, and rings in the new year with our inaugural multi-artist fine art exhibition. It is not a traditional gallery or show — it’s different because its scene is always changing: Art Lab Fort Collins is never the same, it changes with the venue. At the January 8th Gallery Walk, Art Lab’s first fine art opening since becoming an official member of the Fort Collins Arts District, Art Lab is pleased to open in their new Old Town Fort Collins location, 239 Linden Street, with a very talented group of local artists who are known worldwide.
Storefronts more than vacant space
Originally published in the Northern Colorado Business Journal — December 4, 2009
— By Kristen Tatti
FORT COLLINS - Fort Collins has an incubator program for technology and one for food-related businesses, so why not one for the arts?
Coffee shop hosts different brand of board meeting
Originally published in the Fort Collins Coloradoan — December 4, 2009
— BY DAVID YOUNG, DavidYoung@coloradoan.com
Gary Sproul had what every 5-year-old boy dreams of - a job creating video games.
Sproul was the lead level designer at Pandemic Studios owned by Electronic Arts, one of the largest video game companies in the world.
Sproul designed such games as Scooby Doo, Sponge Bob Square Pants, The Incredibles and Lord of the Rings Conquest.
SHE SHE says bye-bye Expensive SPA, and Hello Gorgeous!
Affordable SPA catches attention — October 8, 2008
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO – After just opening its doors, SHE SHE Nail and Wax Lounge is already charming the socks off Fort Collins.
Centrally located at 2601 South Lemay Avenue in the Scotch Pines Village Shopping Center, SHE SHE is redefining the local spa scene by offering a full menu of affordable pampering services for men and women, including manicures, pedicures, waxing, massage and skin care. Hosting private parties is also a SHE SHE specialty, and the lounge has the reputation of “posh without the price.”
Bohemian Foundation announces Pharos Fund Awards
Bohemian Foundation gives 500k in Grants — December 15, 2008
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Bohemian Foundation is awarding nearly $500,000 in grants to 29 local nonprofit organizations. Since its inception in 2002, the Bohemian Foundation’s Pharos Fund has awarded more than $8 million to a wide variety of eligible and deserving nonprofit agencies in the Fort Collins area.
As the responsive grantmaking program of the Bohemian Foundation, the Pharos Fund supports efforts that empower people to help themselves, focus on causes versus symptoms, and demonstrate inclusion of social and cultural differences. Pharos Fund grants are awarded in three goal areas to: encourage and enable youth to become productive members of society, encourage organizations to work together, and serve as a catalyst for public awareness. Grants provide for program support, general operating, capital expense, equipment purchase and technical assistance.
Voices Heard Loud and Clear at the Library
Survey asks for Community input to make Library better — January 14, 2009
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The Fort Collins Regional Library District (District) is conducting a survey to gauge public opinion and to request suggestions about its current and future service offerings.
Community feedback will be used to guide the District’s future plans, and is instrumental in better understanding and meeting the needs of taxpaying citizens who support the District.
Catch Him if you Can
Former Master of Deception Shares Tips To Protect Identity In Social Networking Era — February 23, 2009
FORT COLLINS, Colorado – Beet Street hosts the fourth presentation in its Thought Leaders series: Catch Me if You Can with Frank Abagnale, Tuesday, March 10, 7pm at the Lincoln Center.
Abagnale’s outrageous autobiography Catch Me if You Can inspired Steven Spielberg to make the film version of his life starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks.
Controversial Frank Sharry talks Reform
Provocative speaker offers his view during “Finding Home” immigration series — April 7, 2009
FORT COLLINS, Colorado – Beet Street announces A Frank Talk About Immigration Reform with Frank Sharry, Tuesday, April 21, 7pm at the Lincoln Center.
The event is the fifth presentation in the Beet Street Thought Leaders series, and doubles as a keynote lecture for Finding Home: Sharing the Journey of our Collective Immigration, a collaborative community series running April 2 through May 3, 2009.
Award-winning Family Music Star Rocks Fort Collins
Dan Zanes and Friends concert part of “Finding Home” immigration series — April 15, 2009
FORT COLLINS, Colorado – Beet Street announces Grammy Award-winning Dan Zanes and Friends performing a family matinee concert on Sunday, April 26, 1pm at the Lincoln Center. As an international recording artist, Zanes is known for his eclectic sound, eccentric hairdo, likeable personality and irresistible, toe-tapping tunes for kids of all ages.
Award-winning Actor, Activist comes to town
Edward James Olmos speaks as part of “Finding Home” immigration series — April 15, 2009
FORT COLLINS, Colorado – Beet Street announces We’re All in the Same Gang with Edward James Olmos, Tuesday, April 28, 7pm at the Lincoln Center.
The event is the sixth presentation in the Beet Street Thought Leaders series, and is part of the Beet Street-sponsored Finding Home community immigration series. Olmos is an award-winning actor, producer, director and community activist who shares the inspiring story of how he survived the barrio to succeed on his own terms by making tough choices.
New York Times best-selling Author of "The Glass Castle" comes to town
Author of "The Glass Castle" visits Fort Collins — May 5, 2009
FORT COLLINS, Colorado – Beet Street presents The Glass Castle with New York Times best-selling author Jeannette Walls, Monday, May 18, 7pm at the Lincoln Center.
The event is the eighth presentation in the Beet Street Thought Leaders lineup – a series designed to “Entertain Your Brain” by bringing knowledgeable, dynamic speakers to the Fort Collins community presenting relevant topics people care about.
Intuitive Healers Help People Focus, Thrive in Tough Economic Times
Husband-Wife duo help people deal with economic strife — May 11, 2009
FORT COLLINS, Colorado – The internationally recognized husband-wife team of Dr. Peter Fisk and Dr. Amy Jackson announce the opening of Jackson Fisk Body & Soul, a holistic healing center providing education,nutritional counseling, intuitive guidance and light-touch Network Spinal AnalysisTM to people of all ages.
Located at 3944 JFK Parkway, Suite B, Jackson Fisk Body & Soul offers a comprehensive healing approach unlike any other available in Northern Colorado.
Marcia Coulson, President of Eldon James Corp., Named 2009 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® Award Finalist
Loveland Woman named Entrepreneur of the Year — June 27, 2009
LOVELAND, CO – Marcia Coulson, president of Eldon James Corporation and Fort Collins-based EJ BioMed, is a finalist for the 2009 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® award.
Now in its twenty-third year, the annual Ernst & Young award recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate extraordinary success in the areas of innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.
Local Women Connected to Medical Breakthrough
Local Women Responsible for Medical Advancements — August 18, 2009
FORT COLLINS, CO – Two local women have strong connections to state-of-the-art advancements in global, medical device technology, and they recently met for the first time in downtown Fort Collins.
Marcia Coulson, president of Loveland-based Eldon James Corporation and spin-off business EJ BioMed in Fort Collins, is the exclusive designer and supplier of tubing and fittings for the high-tech Stryker® Medical hospital mattress. Developed to prevent pressure ulcers, the “no cord, no pump, no noise” mattress incorporates a unique technology that eliminates the need to repeatedly turn patients. The new design provides added convenience to medical staff and increased comfort to those receiving care.
Beet Street presents "Homegrown Fort Collins"
A fun adventure in cooking and eating local — September 9, 2009
FORT COLLINS, CO – Beet Street presents Homegrown Fort Collins, a ten-day event-packed celebration of locally grown food, September 25 through October 4 in downtown Fort Collins.
Homegrown Fort Collins brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to explore farmers markets, learn cooking techniques, experience new foods and develop a deeper appreciation for the community’s bounty.
Women Take the Wheel at Houska Car Care Clinic
Safety, Maintenance and Repairs Discussed at FREE Class on September 26, 2009 — September 9, 2009
FORT COLLINS, CO – Houska Automotive is hosting a free Women’s Car Care Clinic on Saturday, September 26 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at 899 Riverside Avenue in Fort Collins.
The no-cost clinic is designed to help women better understand cars, vehicle terminology and the language of mechanics. The event provides safety advice, builds long-term confidence and empowers women to make more informed maintenance and repair decisions.
Houska Hosts Encore Women's Car Care Clinic
Safety, Maintenance and Repairs Discussed at FREE Class on October 17, 2009 — October 7, 2009
FORT COLLINS, CO – Houska Automotive is hosting an encore presentation of its free Women’s Car Care Clinic on Saturday, October 17 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at 899 Riverside Avenue in Fort Collins.
Back by popular demand, the no-cost clinic helps women better understand cars, vehicle terminology and the language of mechanics. The event provides safety advice, builds long-term confidence and empowers women to make more informed maintenance and repair decisions.
Toolbox Creative shows up BOLD in PRINT
Toolbox Creative Sparkles in PRINT — December 18, 2008
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Fort Collins-based graphic design and marketing agency Toolbox Creative is recognized for award-winning logo design in the December 2008 issue of Print magazine.
Toolbox was one of 8 Colorado agencies to be featured in the publication, and the only marketing firm from Fort Collins to appear in Print’s prestigious award annual.
Beet Street presents “Finding Home” community immigration series
Sharing the Journey of our Collective Immigration — March 26, 2009
FORT COLLINS, Colorado – Beet Street announces Finding Home: Sharing the Journey of our Collective Immigration, a collaborative community series running April 2 through May 3, 2009.
Finding Home is a month-long celebration of the Fort Collins community’s patchwork heritage. It puts immigration in the spotlight, and provides personal and historical context for the topic by encouraging shared stories, various perspectives and an open dialogue.
Tollbox employs the full Monte
Wiz kid joins the Toolbox Creative team— August 3, 2009
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Monte Mitchell joins graphic design and marketing agency Toolbox Creative as the firm’s new junior designer and all-around whiz kid.
Venus aligns with Toolbox Creative
The goddess of new business development — July 22, 2009
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Marketing industry veteran Michelle Venus joins graphic design and marketing agency Toolbox Creative as the firm’s dedicated business development goddess.
Venus has extensive advertising, marketing and production experience representing international brands including Sony, Met Life, Pizza Hut, Pepsi, Sprint, TJ Maxx and Saturday Night Live. Working with major East Coast agencies as well as small, local firms, Venus produced everything from Super Bowl commercials to targeted direct mail pieces over the last 25 years.
Reuse, Renew, ReShirt
Every T-shirt deserves to be cool. — August 17, 2009
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Every T-shirt deserves to be cool. So, Toolbox Creative is throwing a two-day ReShirt printing party on August 21 and 22 to keep millions, okay maybe dozens, of ugly T-shirts on people and out of the rag pile.
The green-minded graphic design and marketing firm began the Toolbox T-shirt Rescue Program after finding that its re-purpose in the world is giving new life to old tees.
Refresh NoCo meets monthly for designer drinks
Refreshing the creative community — August 18, 2009
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Refresh NoCo, a regional group of design and marketing professionals, meets the fourth Thursday of every month for its signature social networking event Designer Drinks. The next Designer Drinks mixer will be held August 27 from 4pm – 7:30pm Poolside at Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing, 5 Old Town Square.
Show guts by giving blood this Halloween
8th Annual Houska Halloween blood drive — October 30 2009
FORT COLLINS, CO – Houska Automotive hosts its 8th Annual Houska Halloween Blood Drive on Friday, October 30 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Poudre Valley Hospital’s Garth Englund Blood Center, located at 1025 Pennock Place (two blocks north of the hospital behind Pizza Hut). Houska Automotive owners Dennis and Noreen Houska have been donating blood for as long as they can remember, and they joined the National Bone Marrow Registry in 1994. “Donating blood and registering your bone marrow is an easy way to save someone’s life,” said Dennis Houska, whose bone marrow was a life-saving match for a young California boy with leukemia in 1995.