Welcome to the Denver Gazette’s Metro Moves. You’ll get the latest metro Denver openings, closings, hiring and promotion news here. To submit your company’s news, drop an email to bernadette.berdychowski@denvergazette.com.

Cowboy boot store opens

There’s a new place for some new boot goofin’ in Denver.

Cowboy boot brand Ariat debuted its first store in the city in Larimer Square on Monday. 

It will have its official soft opening Tuesday, a company spokesperson said.

The company, which usually sells boots in retailers across the country, now has its own brand store on 1460 Larimer St. It’s part of the company’s wider retail expansion, bringing the total of brand stores spanning from California to Florida to more than 30.

“Larimer Square felt like a natural next step for Ariat, it’s a vibrant, historic part of Denver that aligns with our brand values.” said Jared Ellis, the company’s vice president of consumer retail. “It’s a chance to connect with locals and visitors alike while showcasing the full depth of our product line in an immersive, uniquely Western space.”

Ariat also has an outlet store more than 25 miles south in Outlets at Castle Rock.

The nearly 4,000-square-foot store will have expert boot fittings and custom hat shaping through its “Hat Doctor.”

Denver International Airport opens new USO space

Denver’s airport has a new lounge for military members and their families to relax before their flight.

Last week, Denver International Airport opened its new United Service Organizations (USO) center in the heart of Concourse A on the fourth level. It’s across from the previous USO area at DIA.

“As we open the doors to this new USO Center, we are reminded that it is not just about the facilities and services we provide,” Linda Mays, executive director of USO Colorado, Wyoming and Montana said in a press release.

“It is about creating a community of support and connections for our service members,” she added.

The USO center is open to military personnel, their families and military retirees with valid U.S. Department of Defense ID cards and Gold Star Families and Families of the Fallen.

“DEN’s USO provides an extremely valuable space for the more than 100,000 service members who travel to, from or through the airport annually,” airport CEO Phil Washington said in the release. “At the USO, active military members, their spouses and children as well as military retirees can feel the care and support of USO volunteers while they connect with others in similar situations who understand the unique demands of life in the military.”

Colorado Livestock Association names new CEO

The advocate for the state’s $48 billion livestock industry has a new CEO leading the charge.

The Colorado Livestock Association announced it named Travis Grant to succeed Zach Riley, who stepped down in April, as CEO. Grant will take on the role beginning Aug. 4.

“CLA has a legacy of leadership, a legacy that I look forward to being a part of,” Grant said in the announcement. “The association is well-positioned for growth and impact, and I look forward to working with both members and the Board to seize the moment.”

Before joining the association, Grant was the Colorado Farm Bureau’s associate director of outreach and advocacy where he worked on building industry relationships and worked on state and federal policy initiatives.

He also worked as a staff member for Rep. Rod Pelton and former Congressman Ken Buck, focusing on addressing rural community challenges in Colorado’s Eastern plains.

“Travis’s experience with agriculture producers and his expertise in both regulatory and legislative matters make him an invaluable asset to the organization,” CLA President Kory Kessinger said in the announcement. “He has a keen understanding of the challenges our members face daily and will be a strong advocate for our industry.”

BERNADETTE BERDYCHOWSKI, The Denver Gazette