The controversy over operation of a grill at a city owned golf course in Grand Junction has renewed the debate among business and community leaders over what services government should — and shouldn’t — provide. While local government has grown in scope and helped several organizations survive into the second decade of the 21st century, […]
When the horse was replaced by the horseless carriage, there undoubtedly was hand wringing over whether or not the world would ever be the same. Would people no longer walk, ride bicycles or even ride horses? The world certainly changed. But in 2011, people still walk, ride bikes — and, yes, they even ride horses. […]
Television didn’t eliminate demand for radio any more than FM radio replaced the AM band or video rentals wiped out movie theaters. And so far, social media hasn’t yet eliminated organizations that bring people together face to face for a meal or a cup of coffee. Personal networking remains alive and well and an important […]
Local chapters of international service organizations offer opportunities to both long-time members of the Grand Valley and newcomers to the area. Whether the motivation is a desire for business contacts, community service or friendship, membership can produce fruit in all three areas over time. “The main purpose should be to give back to the community,” […]
Don’t expect much to change in the form of events and services at the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. It’s not that the organization is stagnant. Rather, the group has added so much in recent years it plans on sitting tight to see how everything pans out in 2011. From energy briefings to social […]
For people looking to join an organization that offers interesting programs, there’s one group that does so without asking members to join activities that cut into their spare time. While board members recruit guest speakers, everyone else in the Bookcliff Knife and Fork Club is required only to pay annual dues and for dinners they […]
Even as Colorado lags behind other areas of the nation in economic recovery, Grand Junction lags behind other cities in the state. The situation is likely to persist until the housing market and construction employment improves. But increased activity in the energy sector could help. Moreover, the health care and education sectors remain strong economic […]
Business executives are far more optimistic about the economy in general and their industries in specific, according to the latest results of a quarterly survey. The Conference Board reported that its Measure of CEO Confidence jumped 12 points to 62 for the fourth quarter of 2010. A reading above 50 reflects more positive than negative […]
A measure of future economic activity in the United States continues to rise, a signal recovery is gaining momentum, albeit unevenly. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Index (LEI) jumped 1 percent in December to 112.4. The latest increase followed a 1.5 percent gain for the previous two months. With increases in each […]
Vance Wagner has come full circle in his 18-year career with American National Bank. Wagner joined what was at the time Mesa National Bank in 1993 when Bill Sisson convinced him to manage operations in Glenwood Springs. Wagner now works out of Sisson’s former office in downtown Grand Junction as the new regional president for […]