A residential recovery would be welcome news

The residential construction industry has long constituted an important component of the Mesa County economy. Consider that the construction of 100 single-family homes creates an average of more than 300 jobs. So it was significant when the home building industry surged in the boom days and suffered in the bust that followed. Now there are […]

Keep it simple: SBA revamps lending programs

The U.S. Small Business Administration works best when it encourages an open conversation with the small business community it serves. SBA staff is on the ground every working day speaking with and on behalf of small businesses and the associations and resource partners that represent them.  At SBA, we create loan products in response to […]

Leading index: Economy will muddle through

A monthly index forecasting economic performance in the United States continues to signal moderate growth one economist described as a “muddle through.” The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Index (LEI) rose three-tenths of a percent in May to 95.8. The index has climbed 1.8 percent over the six-month period ending in May. Separate […]

Consumer confidence drops to five-month low

A measure of consumer confidence has dropped for a fourth straight month as the outlook for business and labor conditions for the second half of the year turns less optimistic. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) fell more than two points in June to 62, its lowest level in five months. […]

Seminar to offer help with ag exporting

An upcoming seminar will offer information about how Colorado companies can tap into funding to help them develop agricultural exports. “I hope more Colorado companies will participate in this program,” said Colorado Agriculture Commissioner John Salazar. “Developing exports is critical to our state’s economy, and these funds can help companies develop or expand export markets.” […]

New Web site offers resources to help food-related businesses

A new Web site offers information to Colorado farmers and food manufacturers to help them comply with regulations, ensure safety and quality and market their products. “Marketing and selling food products can be one of the most challenging aspects to a farm enterprise or food entrepreneur, especially when direct sales are involved,” said Wendy White, […]

CU study: Celebrity pitches not always on target

Companies paying celebrities big money to endorse their products might not realize negative perceptions about a celebrity are more likely to transfer to an endorsed brand than positive ones, according to a new University of Colorado study. While celebrity endorsements are widely used to increase brand visibility and connect brands with celebrities’ personality traits, such […]

Former congressman to oversee government association

A former congressman and state representative has been hired as the new executive director of the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado (AGNC). Scott McInnis will oversee the association of cities and counties in Garfield, Mesa, Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt counties. “Scott’s extensive background in government, energy, public lands, natural resources, water issues and tourism […]

Grant to fund Riverfront Trail extension

A grant for nearly $3 million is expected to help close a gap in the Colorado Riverfront Trail between Grand Junction and Fruita. Funding from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) for the new construction also constitutes another step toward ultimately extending the trail through the length of the Grand Valley. “Mesa County has made completion of […]