University change reflects selective admissions policy

Colorado Mesa University officially joins other institutions in the state with selective admissions standards under newly enacted legislation. The measure changed the statutory designation of CMU from “moderately selective” to “selective” — the same admissions category as five other institutions with which CMU competes for students. “Most people don’t realize that the average CMU student […]

State director of business group gives session a B

Phil Castle, The Business Times Tony Gagliardi gives the Colorado Legislature better-than- average grades for a session that was, on the whole, less rancorous than average. “I give this session a B. I thought there was some progress made,” said Gagliardi, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business. That progress included small […]

Review session: the good, the bad and the ugly

Phil Castle, The Business Times               Despite the  ongoing distractions of election-year politics, four state lawmakers from Western Colorado were pleased with some of the legislation enacted during the latest session. That includes measures making it easier to register mobile machinery, extending the sales tax exemption on beetle-killed timber, […]

Chamber survey results reflect more upbeat outlook

Phil Castle, The Business Times The latest results of a twice-annual survey of Grand Valley business owners and managers reflect a more positive outlook for the economy, hiring and capital expenditures. “This is the most upbeat I’ve seen people,” said Diane Schwenke, president and chief executive officer of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. […]

New direction for North: Business owners consider revitalization efforts

New direction for North: Business owners consider revitalization efforts

Phil Castle, The Business Times Poppy Woody has operated a medical supply business along North Avenue in Grand Junction for nearly 30 years. Over that span, Woody has watched as what was once one of the most vibrant commercial districts in the city has lost grocery stores, restaurants and hotels to other areas. While traffic […]

Real estate firm honors best-selling agents

              Bobby Ulibarri, Cynthia Castaneda and Fred Burmeister were honored as best-selling agents during April at Heiden Homes Realty and Associates in Grand Junction. Ulibarri posted the highest sales volume for the month, while Castaneda sold the most properties. Castaneda and Burmeister tied for the most new listings. For […]

Index: Consumers feeling less confident

A monthly measure of consumer confidence has declined for a second straight month on less upbeat assessments for present and future business and labor conditions. The Confidence Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) fell nearly four points to 64.9 in May. The index slipped nearly a point in April. “Consumers were less positive […]

Airlines to add to summer service to Grand Junction

Two airlines have announced plans to add flights to their service to Grand Junction for the summer season. Beginning June 7, SkyWest Airlines will offer three daily flights between Grand Junction and Salt Lake City. SkyWest serves as a regional carrier for Delta Airlines. Beginning June 14, American Eagle Airlines will add a third flight […]

Property manager disputes spike in apartment vacancy rate

Phil Castle, The Business Times:  Cindy Hoppe disputes the latest results of a quarterly survey that pegs the average apartment vacancy rate in Grand Junction at more than 10 percent. Hoppe, manager of Bray Property Management in Grand Junction, believes the apartment vacancy rate likely dropped below 7 percent during the first quarter of this […]

Training assistance available for skilled workers

Phil Castle, The Business Times:  A Grand Junction manufacturer was among the first businesses in Colorado to take advantage of a program offering assistance in training highly skilled workers. It’s a promising start to what Suzie Miller, business services manager at the Mesa County Workforce Center, foresees as a helpful effort. “We’re really excited about […]