By Kalie Greenberg
KKCO NBC11 News, Nov 4, 2016
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO)-- More than 300 Colorado businesses have decided to show public support for Amendment 70, which would increase the minimum wage.
"I believe your employees are the ones that get you to the dance. You've got to take care of them," said Bruce Benge, owner of Benge’s Shoes. "You’ve got to supply them with a decent wage and do as much for them as you can."
If passed, Amendment 70 would raise the minimum wage in intervals from $8.31 to $12 dollars an hour by 2020.
"We ran the numbers...it’s only going to raise our payroll five percent, which isn’t an insignificant number but it’s absorbable. It’s doable," said the co-owner of Five 60 Salon and Spa, Barbara Roberts. ...
"We’re celebrating 105 years. We've had some great employees over the years that have added to that longevity," said Benge.
Roberts shares a similar feeling.
"You don’t have to worry about somebody moving on to a better paying position and having to retrain constantly," she said. "You can just keep your employees, keep them happy, keep them active members of the community."
Grand Junction businesses publicly showing support are listed below:
-MIke Allen, CEO, Toys for the Fun of It
-Bruce Benge, Owner, Benges Shoes
-Jeriel Brammeier, Owner, Bright Star Strategies LLC
-Imelda Mulholland, Owner, Law Office of Imelda Mulholland, LLC
-Barbara Roberts, Co-Owner, Five 60 Salon & Spa
-Liz Sinclair, Owner, Charlie Dwellington's
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