Latest ballot measures offer voters little more than constitutional clutter

Nearly every election in Colorado presents the same grim prospect: Voters will further clutter the state constitution by approving needless new amendments. The upcoming mid-term election is hardly an exception with seven proposed amendments on a lengthy ballot. Even more disconcerting, some of the amendments could add still more knots to what’s already a hopelessly […]

Grand Junction conference to address HR issues

An upcoming conference in Grand Junction will cover a number of topics related to human resource management. The Western Colorado Human Resource Association has scheduled its fall conference for 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main St. Admission to the full conference is $159 for WCHRA members, $179 […]

Limitations sharpen focus on what’s important

I recall that as a young man, I was always dealing with what I perceived as limitations imposed on me by myself or others. It seemed to me others were simply creating obstacles even as I thought I could do anything I wanted to. It took me a long time to gain an understanding and […]

Manage perceptions in the workplace

It’s been said that perception is reality. In the workplace, perceptions that aren’t managed become rumors, then gossip and then backbiting, which leads to destruction. Unmanaged perceptions become a reality that wasn’t intended. Since most people are uncomfortable providing direct feedback, we often don’t know how we’re perceived. That makes our reputation — how others […]

Small business optimism mired at recessionary level

A monthly measure of confidence among small business owners edged up for a second straight month, but continues to reflect conditions typical of an economy mired in recession. “The downturn may be officially over, but small business owners have, for the most part, seen no evidence of it,” said William Dunkelberg, chief economist for the […]

Grand Junction Realtors install new board officers

Mike Moran Business Times Joe Tripoli firmly believes in the power of positive thinking, even in the midst of a downturn in real estate sales. “Your business is never really good or bad out there. It’s good or bad between your ears,” said Tripoli, a real estate agent with RE/MAX 4000 and the new chairman […]

Mesa County budget cuts continue

Declining tax revenues have forced Mesa County officials to extend budget cuts for another year. The proposed 2011 budget comes in at 10.3 percent below the adopted 2010 budget, which in turn was 8.4 percent less than the 2009 budget. The proposed 2011 budget includes staffing reductions, a salary freeze, the closure of some county […]

Message to voters on ballot measures: Just say no

Phil Castle Business Times The director of a regional group and the mayor of Grand Junction urge voters to just say no to three measures on the upcoming election ballot. Reeves Brown, executive director of Club 20, and Mayor Teresa Coons voiced their opposition to Amendment  60 and 61 as well as Proposition 101. Club […]

Medicare issue coming to a head

Mike Moran Business Times While medical offices and their patients continue to sort through the effects of national health care reform, the more immediate concern could be Medicare. When Congress reconvenes from recess next month, it will have a little more than two weeks before a Dec. 1 deadline to either allow another 23 percent […]