A monthly measure of consumer confidence has declined for a second straight month as concerns mount over business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) fell 3.9 points in July to 50.4. With losses in June and July, the index has dropped a total of more than 12 points […]
The unemployment rate in Mesa County jumped in June, continuing what’s long been a pattern for the month. According to the latest estimates from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), the unadjusted jobless rate in Mesa County climbed to 9.7 percent. The latest rate is up eight-tenths from a revised 8.9 percent for […]
Three measures on the November ballot in Colorado have drawn the ire of a group that has a vested interest in brisk real estate sales activity. The Colorado Association of Realtors is joining a campaign opposing Proposition 101, Amendment 60 and Amendment 61. The campaign is spearheaded by an organization called Coloradans for Responsible Reform, […]
The unemployment rate in the construction industry has hovered around 20 percent for the year and a recent newsletter from Associated Builders and Contractors carried even more glum news. “Employment in nonresidential building construction continues to slump, a reflection of the fact that momentum in the broader economy has yet to meaningfully impact many segments […]
New federal legislation to regulate the financial industry. A large influx of cash to bail out failed financial institutions. Potential changes in U.S. Small Business Administration loan guarantee programs. Proclamations from President Barack Obama that banks have money to lend again. All represent changes in the banking and lending landscape — and add to the […]
Commercial construction in the Grand Valley is keeping some companies and workers busy this summer. While leaders in the industry caution the pipeline is far from full for 2011 and beyond, they’re gladly taking the work they can find in the meantime. The projects range in size and in type — from such private commercial […]
Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado has been named a Circle of Life Award Honoree in an annual awards program that recognizes organizations across the United States that have made great strides in palliative and end-of-life care. The Grand Junction-based hospice was one of eight organizations in the country honored by the program conducted […]
Rocky Hutson sells products that suppress dust, stabilize soil and even plug potholes. Those products don’t wash away or harm the environment, Hutson said. And they last longer than alternatives that might cost less, but also are less durable. “It’s not cheap. But for what it does, it’s well worth the money,” he said. Hutson […]
Fewer small businesses will be eligible for tax credits to help pay for health care insurance than some estimates project, according to a small business advocacy group. “Supporters claim 4 million small businesses are eligible for the temporary credit, but the fact is less than 2 million small businesses will receive it,” said Bill Rys, […]
Annette Miller believes the real estate market in Mesa County has hit bottom, but a substantial rebound depends on improving labor conditions. Miller, senior vice president of Heritage Title Co. in Grand Junction, monitors the real estate market in the county and said sales continue to track ahead of last year. That’s an indication the […]