January 27, 2026
Fort Collins, Colorado - As Super Bowl LIX weekend approaches, No DUI NoCo, a Northern Colorado nonprofit dedicated to preventing impaired driving, urges all fans to plan ahead, celebrate responsibly, and protect lives on our roads. With millions celebrating across the country, there is an increased risk of alcohol- and drug-impaired driving – a fully preventable public health crisis.

Nearly half of all traffic fatalities on Super Bowl Sunday involve alcohol. In 2022, about 45% of all fatal crashes involved alcohol impairment (MADD).

Every day in the United States, nearly 30 people die in drunk driving crashes – one life lost every 50 minutes (NHTSA). This tragic toll affects families and communities in Colorado and beyond. Driving impaired isn’t just dangerous — it’s illegal; a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher can lead to arrest and significant legal and financial consequences.

“We believe most people want to do the right thing,” said Heather Vesgaard, executive director of Partners and No DUI NoCo. “By planning ahead and stepping up for friends and family, Super Bowl fans can help create a weekend full of good memories. We encourage everyone to ‘Make the Call’ for a ride home before you ever think about getting behind the wheel drunk or high.”
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No DUI NoCo reminds drivers that impairment includes alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, and other drugs. Mixing substances can significantly increase impairment and crash risk.

TIPS TO CELEBRATE SAFELY
Be the VIP (Very Important Passenger) – Volunteer as the designated driver and commit to 100% sobriety. Your choice could save lives, including those of people you love.
 
Be the Halftime Hero – If you’re hosting, provide plenty of food and non-alcoholic options throughout the event. A well-fed crowd pacing their drinks is a safer crowd.
 
Call in Backup – If you or a friend can’t drive safely, choose a ride-share, taxi, or public transit instead of driving.
 
Bench the Impaired – Talk openly with your guests: if someone has been drinking or using cannabis or other substances, encourage them to sit out the driving duties.
 
Call 911 – If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.
 
SUPER BOWL IMPAIRED DRIVING STATS

• Nearly half of all traffic fatalities on Super Bowl Sunday involve alcohol. In 2022, about 45% of all fatal crashes involved alcohol impairment (MADD).
• On Super Bowl Sunday, traffic deaths tend to be about 20% higher than on the Sundays immediately before and after the game (NHTSA).
• Nearly 48% of fatal crashes on Super Bowl Sunday involve drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit (0.08%) (NHTSA).
• The riskiest driving times for impaired-related crashes are between the late afternoon (around kickoff) and late evening following the game (NTSB).

ABOUT NO DUI NOCO
No DUI NoCo is working to get the word out about the dangers and consequences of teen impaired driving and offering solutions and tips on how to avoid or curb the effects on the greater community. No DUI NoCo, a coalition and campaign born out of the need to address the problem of impaired driving in northern Colorado, is working to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances. This project is a joint effort between law enforcement, government agencies, alcohol and cannabis retailers, local nonprofits, and community members, working together to encourage the general public to “Make the Call” to end impaired driving.
 
No DUI NoCo is focusing on prevention efforts - education, tools, and messaging for groups and individuals who tend to risk driving regularly with elevated BACs, and who are involved in a higher number of alcohol-related crashes. Studies have shown that young people, ages 16-24, tend to have the highest number of drivers involved in DUI/DWI crashes with a BAC at or above legal intoxication levels and are the most likely group to drive within 2 hours of consuming cannabis (Colorado Department of Transportation). The goal of the next arm of the No DUI campaign is to reduce the number of DUI/DWI related crashes with this age group at the wheel.
 
No DUI encourages all citizens to remain vigilant and to plan ahead when consuming alcohol. If you are the designated driver, make a commitment to 100% sobriety to keep you, your friends, and your family safe.
 
If you see an impaired driver on the road, please “Make the Call” and contact local law enforcement (911) immediately.
Remember: If you feel different, you drive different.

No DUI NoCo Mission:
The No DUI NoCo coalition and campaign was born out of the need to address the problem of impaired driving in our community. The goal is to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances by increasing community responsibility for safe and responsible driving.
 Our campaign is encouraging the public to “Make the Call” to end impaired driving in our community. Make the Call to get a safe ride home. Make the Call about whether you should get behind the wheel, and Make the Call to report suspected impaired drivers. Driving under the influence IS an emergency - please call 911 if you see someone you suspect is driving impaired.
Partners, who absorbed this project from the former nonprofit Team Wellness & Prevention is the lead agency on this campaign. Partners has engaged a steering committee and named the project NO DUI NOCO.

Contact: Heather Vesgaard, Executive Director - Partners    [email protected]
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The BIG Idea:
Knowing your “target audience” is common advice--but it can drift into lowest
common denominator marketing (“who can we attract?”).
A better, more strategic question is: “Whom do we deserve to work with?”
Defining your ideal client (behavior + demographics + fit) helps you stop
trying to be everything to everyone and start building a message and
business that attracts the right people.

Why This Matters
When your ideal client is clear, you can align your marketing, services, messaging, sales, and support to consistently attract and serve that specific group.
It saves time, reduces misfit clients, and increases the likelihood of work that’s profitable, energizing, and referable.

​In a market increasingly dominated by large, corporate marketing and event agencies, BIG Deal Company stands apart, not just because of what we do, but how we do it. Our clients don’t hire a one-size-fits-all vendor; they get a locally-based strategic partner focused on impact, relationships, and experiences that are meaningful. Here’s why BIG Deal Company is the smarter choice for companies seeking values-based results.

​A Partnership-First Approach
 any marketing and events agencies deliver isolated deliverables and then vanish. Your deliverables may be produced by a different employee each time, or worse, by AI. At BIG DEAL, we get to know your team to provide fractional support in marketing, communications, and event execution. Our team spends hours learning your goals and business inside out so we can act as an extension of your organization, not just a hired hand.
 
A “Connected Collective”: Experts Working as a Team
Rather than a single specialist or standalone contractor, BIG DEAL Company is a connected collective of experts across marketing, advertising, events, nonprofit leadership, and communications, meeting regularly to share ideas to support your business. This model gives you precisely the right expertise at the right moment, with depth and breadth most agencies can’t match.

Joy and Fun, and We Really Mean It
We don’t just plan events or implement campaigns, we bring joy and authenticity to everything we do. It isn’t just work for us, it’s fulfillment. Our personality shows in how we work, how we communicate, and how your audience experiences your brand. This emotional connection differentiates us from companies that never live their brand values.
 
Details that Deliver Success
 Great ideas are nothing without execution. At BIG DEAL, operational precision is non-negotiable. From timelines and permits to vendor alignment and power needs, we handle every logistical detail so your events run “like clockwork.” With decades of experience and over 100 events delivered annually, we see and solve issues before they become problems - and when the unexpected happens, we handle it behind the scenes, so you can enjoy your event.
 
Colorado Community Credibility
Our team is locally embedded in Colorado and deeply plugged into regional resources, vendors, and community leaders. That means recommendations, introductions, and relationships that literally can’t be bought – but come standard with a BIG DEAL partnership. Whether it’s venue insights or nonprofit allies, our community credibility accelerates your success.
 
Genuine Marketing in an AI Era
Digital marketing today has to be more than “posting and hoping.” We build strategic communication plans that span SEO (search engine optimization), AEO (answer engine optimization), GEO (local geographical optimization), and AI-era content strategies. We understand how content gets surfaced, and how to make it work for you, not just for the search engines. We’re not scared of AI; we put it to work for us, boosting our efficiency without allowing it to diminish the quality of our work - work only real people can produce.
 
Recognition and Real Results
Our reputation isn’t built on buzzwords or an AI-generated website – it’s backed by awards, strong reviews, and measurable results. From nonprofit fundraising success to corporate retreats and community festivals, clients see real impact, and that’s what matters most.
 
What It All Means For You
Choosing BIG DEAL Company means choosing a partner that:

• Invests in your vision
• Executes with expertise and heart
• Turns goals into measurable outcomes
• Crafts experiences that leave lasting impressions

Whether you’re planning a large-scale event, strengthening your marketing strategy, or building community engagement, the BIG DEAL advantage delivers smarter solutions and bigger impact.
Ready to elevate your next project with a partner who treats your mission like their own? Let’s talk!

If your marketing feels like a leaky bucket - ads bring traffic, social gets likes, emails get opens, but sales don’t consistently follow - there’s a good chance the issue isn’t your effort.
 
It’s your customer journey flow.
 
At Big Deal Company, we help small businesses build marketing systems that don’t just attract attention - they guide people smoothly from “I might need this” to “I trust you” to “I’m telling everyone about you.” This article breaks down what a customer journey is, the five stages, and how journey mapping improves revenue, retention, and referrals.

​What is a Customer Journey in Marketing?
A customer journey is the complete series of experiences and touchpoints a person has with a company - from initial awareness to post-purchase advocacy.
 
This includes everything from:

• A social post that introduces your brand
• A blog article that teaches a solution
• A sales page that reassures a buyer
• An onboarding email that prevents buyer’s remorse
• A support experience that turns customers into promoters

 
When your journey is intentional, marketing becomes less random - and results become more predictable.

What is Customer Journey Flow?
Customer journey flow is the designed path you create so customers move naturally from one stage to the next - without confusion, friction, or unnecessary delays.
 
Think of it like this:
A customer journey is what customers DO.
Customer journey flow is how you GUIDE THEM.
 
Small businesses win when they build a flow that:

• Answers questions before customers ask them
• Builds trust at the right moments
• Removes friction at key decision points
• Reinforces value after purchase

 

​The 5 Customer Journey Stages (With Practical Small Business Examples)
Most people don’t wake up and decide to buy from your brand immediately. They move through a purchase path that typically includes five stages:
 
1.    Awareness: “I have a problem.”This stage begins when someone identifies a pain point.
Examples:

• A runner is tired of sore heels and realizes they need better running shoes.
• A business owner can’t scale customer support and needs a better platform.

 
What to publish here (best content types):

• Educational blog posts
• How-to guides
• Ebooks and whitepapers
• Checklists and templates           

              
Goal: Help them understand the problem and possible solutions–without pushing a hard sell.

2.    Consideration: “What are my options?”Now the customer is researching and comparing providers. They know what kind of solution they need–they’re deciding who to trust.
Best content types:

• Product comparisons
• “Best tools for….” listicles
• Case studies
• Webinars or workshops
• Feature breakdowns and use-case pages

 
Goal: Show differentiation clearly and help them self-select your brand.

3.    Decision: “I’m ready—prove this is the right choice.”At this point, buyers have narrowed their options. What they want most is reassurance:

• Will this work for me?
• Is this worth the money?
• What happens if I get stuck?

 
What works best:

• Product demos
• Consultations with experts
• Clear pricing + transparent FAQs
• Testimonials and proof
• Fast, friendly pre-sale support

 
Goal: Make purchasing easy, confident, and low-friction.

4.    Retention: “I bought—did I make the right move?”A customer might be happy, but it’s your job to keep it that way.
 
Retention tools that pay off:

• Strong onboarding materials
• Success check-ins
• Quick-start guides
• Proactive customer support
• Dedicated success managers (even part-time/virtual for small teams)

 
Goal: Help customers see value quickly and consistently—so they don’t drift to competitors.

5.    Advocacy: “You need to try this.”              
Advocacy is the revenue multiplier stage. Happy customers become your best marketing channel.
 

How to fuel advocacy:

• Proactive support
• A simple and approachable experience
• Referral and loyalty programs
• Shareable moments (“Look what I achieved!”)
• Easy review requests at the right time

 
Goal: Make referrals effortless and natural.

What are the Benefits of Customer Journey Mapping?
Customer journey mapping is one of the highest ROI moves a small business can make—because it turns assumptions into insights.
 
Here are the biggest benefits:

1. Understand your customers better A journey map forces you to see your brand from the customer’s perspective, including the roadblocks they experience.
Example: In financial services, customers tend to research heavily because decisions are personal and high-stakes. A smart sales team responds by providing hands-on education and reassurance throughout the journey.

2. Improve the customer experience Journey maps organize feedback so you can optimize what’s working - and fix what’s not.
Example: If shoppers abandon carts at checkout, a quick survey may reveal that your payment system is clunky or untrustworthy. Fixing that single point can lift conversions immediately.

3. Encourage team-wide collaboration Journey maps clarify who owns what stage and how teams connect.
Example: Marketing drives awareness through ads and content, while support ensures a smooth post-purchase experience. When everyone sees the same map, collaboration gets easier.

4. Increase customer retention Retention rises when you understand what causes drop-off—and what keeps customers coming back.
Example: After purchase, sending a thank-you email with a small discount on the next order reinforces the value and encourages repeat purchases.

5. Provide proactive service Data lets you anticipate needs and solve issues before they become complaints.
Example: If customers frequently contact you after hours, creating a knowledge base helps them find answers anytime—reducing support load and increasing satisfaction.

Why and When Should You Use a Customer Journey Map?
You should use a customer journey map because it helps you understand customer expectations—and improve the experience people have with your business.
 
If you’ve ever had a relationship or friendship end suddenly and wished you understood what went wrong, you already understand the value of mapping. Journey mapping gives you the clarity you need in business.
 
When to create one:

• As soon as possible (especially if you’re trying to grow)
• When conversion rates stall
• When customer support requests increase
• When churn rises or retention dips
• When you add a new offer, service, or marketing channel

 
Who needs one: Businesses of all sizes—especially small businesses that need every marketing dollar to work harder!

How to Build a Simple Customer Journey Flow (Small Business Friendly)
Here’s a practical approach you can implement without a giant team or complicated software:

​Big Deal Company’s Take: The “Flow Over Funnel” Advantage
Funnels are useful—but small businesses grow faster when they think in FLOW:

• Flow builds trust, not just clicks
• Flow reduces friction, not just drop-offs
• Flow creates repeat customers and advocates, not just one-time buyers

When your customer journey is well-designed, your marketing feels less like convincing—and more like helping.

FAQs: Customer Journey Flow and Mapping
What is customer journey mapping?
Customer journey mapping is the process of documenting every step and touchpoint customers experience with your business—from awareness to advocacy—so you can identify friction, improve experiences, and increase conversions.
What are the 5 stages of the customer journey?
The five stages are:

1. Awareness
2. Consideration
3. Decision
4. Retention
5. Advocacy

Why is customer journey flow important for small businesses?
Because it helps small businesses turn limited time and budget into consistent results by improving conversions, retention, and referrals while reducing friction and customer confusion.

What should I include in a customer journey map?
Include customer goals, questions, touchpoints (website, social, email, support), emotions, friction points, and opportunities for improvement at each stage.
How does customer journey mapping improve conversions?
It identifies where people get stuck or drop off—like confusing offers, weak reassurance, or checkout issues—so you can fix high-impact bottlenecks and increase sales.
​
When should I create a customer journey map?
Create one as early as possible, especially if you’re launching a new offer, scaling marketing, experiencing churn, or trying to improve conversion rates.
 
Customer journey flow isn’t just marketing theory—it’s the difference between “busy” and profitable. When your touchpoints work together, customers move forward with confidence, buy faster, stay longer, and refer more often.
 
Want more practical, small-business-friendly strategies like this (plus templates, examples, and real-world fixes you can implement fast)? Follow Big Deal Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube for weekly insights that turn marketing into momentum.

2026 Collector’s Envelope Artwork, Remailing Program Deadlines Announced

The 2026 cachet artwork and verse, designed by Corry McDowell:
“In the Sweetheart City
Joy takes Flight,
80 years of Love
Shining Bright.”
Loveland, Colorado 2026
 
To get this special 2026 collector’s envelope artwork and postmark, package pre-addressed, pre-stamped Valentines in a larger First-Class envelope. Send the envelope to Postmaster - Attention Valentines, 446 E. 29th St., Loveland, CO 80538-9998. Once received, Valentines will be removed from the larger envelope and hand-stamped before being re-mailed to intended recipients. 
The Premier Valentine Sponsor is Elevations Credit Union. The official Valentine drop location sponsors include South State Bank, Bank of Colorado, and 477 Distilling. Drop off self-addressed, stamped Valentine envelopes the locations below.
 
The Post Office will be accepting Valentines to be dropped off in the special Valentine mailboxes through February 12, 2026.
 
The Loveland Post Office
601 Cleveland Ave Loveland, CO 80537
 
Loveland Chamber/Visitor Center
5400 Stone Creek Circle Suite 200
Chamber Monday-Friday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Visitors Center Monday-Saturday  9am-5pm

Elevations Credit Union
970 E Eisenhower Blvd
Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm and Saturday: 9:00 am -12:00pm

SouthState Bank
935 N. Cleveland Ave.
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
 
The HUB Cafe by Fresh Plate
6402 Union Creek Drive [freshplatecatering.com]
Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm  and Sunday: 1:00 pm-5:00 pm

​Barnyard Vet & Pet Supply
806 14th St SW
Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am-1:00 pm
 
SCHEELS
4755 Ronald Reagan Blvd. [google.com] Johnstown, CO 80534
Monday-Friday 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM 
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM  and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM  
 
Mailing Deadlines:
Important Valentine mailing Deadline Dates:

• February 2, 2026 | International Mail deadline
• February 4, 2026 | Continental U.S deadline
• February 9, 2026 | Colorado deadline (within the state)

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Heartfelt Indulgences
​
2026 Loveland Valentine Wine 
Sweet Heart Winery will be featuring their Amador County AVA Barbera 2023.
Experience premium quality Amador (Sierra mountains) Barbera, grown at 1750 ft elevation. Elegantly handcrafted with careful hand sorting, manual punch downs, gentle bladder press, aged with French oak. Taste notes of black cherry, vanilla and nutmeg. A fruit forward, light-medium bodied, bright but integrated acid typical for varietal, tannins balanced with acid profile, full finish that will delight your palate.
 
2026 Loveland Valentine Coffee 
The Loveland Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Top of the Lake Coffee to produce the 2026 official Loveland Valentine coffee. Crafted to celebrate connection, this medium roast Central American blend is all about balance and warmth. Smooth-bodied with a clean, lingering finish, it’s comforting yet vibrant, perfect for slow mornings, cozy afternoons, and moments meant to be savored together. A cup made for sharing, or for treating yourself with a little extra love.

2026 Valentine Beer 
Founded in 2010, Grimm Brothers Brewhouse is Loveland’s oldest Brewery. Once upon a time Grimm Brothers, in collaboration with the Loveland Chamber of Commerce and Visit Loveland, brewed a beer for the Sweetheart City. It was said that beer, known as The Bleeding Heart, held mystic powers. When consumed on a full moon, The Bleeding Heart was said to show you your heart’s true desire.
 
Grimm Brothers Brewhouse is honored and excited to be brewing the 15th version of The Bleeding Heart, Official Valentines Beer of the Sweetheart City. The 2026 version will again be based on Master Thief, our German Porter, with the additional flavors to be revealed at the Loveland Valentine Press Conference on January 6th. It will be available in 16 oz. cans and in kegs starting in mid-January.
 
2026 Valentine Cupcake 
The official Sweetheart City Valentine cupcakes is brought to you by downtown Loveland baker, B Sweet Cupcakes. The featured cupcake of love for 2026 is "Sweetheart Cherry Chocolate Chip."
A Cherry Cupcake with Dark Chocolate Chips topped with Cherry Cream Cheese frosting, dark chocolate drizzle and a dark chocolate heart!
 
2026 Valentine Candle
11 year old, Kinzie Sargent is selling candles for a cause. Kinzie leads with kindness and generosity. With a heart for helping others and a passion for spreading light, she is proud to announce her continued partnership with the Loveland Chamber and Loveland Visitor’s Center. This year’s candle is Sweetheart Spruce! A 6oz 100% hand poured soy candle with a clean scent spruce. ​