A measure of refinancing activity and home sales in Mesa County dropped during the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to the same quarter last year. With the decrease, the total number of deeds of trusts released in the county in 2011 dropped to a fraction of levels recorded only two or three years ago. According [...]
The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has honored two companies, a married couple and long-time businessman for their economic and philanthropic contributions. The chamber selected West Star Aviation and Impact Promotions as its large and small business of the year, respectively. Jerome and Mary Gonzales were named citizens of the year. Denny Granum received [...]
Colorado ranks 16th among the 50 states in the latest assessment of how taxes affect businesses. Colorado moved up one spot in the State Business Tax Climate Index for 2012 and continues to fare well overall for its comparatively low corporate, income and property tax rates. Compiled by the Tax Foundation — a nonprofit group [...]
A revamped index forecasting economic performance in the United States continues to signal domestic growth even as the global outlook remains uncertain. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Index (LEI) rose four-tenths of a percent to 94.3 in December. The index has edged up only about a tenth of a percent over the [...]
Emotional markets are often irrational markets. In both real estate investing and in the financial markets, investors without a discipline can be easily swayed by fear and greed. By developing a discipline and anchoring decisions to specific facts, investors can maintain their bearings amidst uncertainty and turbulence. Many [...]
I am a firm believer in horizon scanning…looking ahead at how the world is changing. Once I know this I can position the Chamber for future opportunities and position the organization to weather challenges. One of my major sources of information for this exercise is trendwatching.com. [...]
Though the Mesa County economy seems to be strengthening at a snail’s pace, the outlook for commercial real estate this year is looking more positive daily. Demand should begin to outpace the formerly growing supply in industrial, office and retail properties. Since our country’s credit crisis of 2008, investors [...]
All businesses people have heard the term, “Know Your Target Market.” But do they really understand how to find out who their target market is? This is an essential step in successful advertising. Many businesses say everyone needs my product or service when I first meet [...]
The quality of the customer service your business provides is absolutely essential to the growth of your operations. If your desire is to retain and grow your customer base, do so by instilling confidence in them through exceptional customer service experiences. Just this [...]
If you are the person who is out running at 5:00 am every morning, this article is not for you. If you are the person who eats nutritious meals every day, this article is not for you. However, if your New Year’s Resolutions include any part of living [...]
