Amanda Hill, a broker associate at Bray Real Estate in Grand Junction, has earned designation as a master certified negotiation expert. Hill earned the designation by completing course in negotiation skills that covered generational and cultural factors as well as listing and buying agent techniques. “The knowledge gained in these valuable courses will prepare me […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment rate increased in Mesa County between September and October for the first time in four years. Still, the latest jobless rate remains lower than this time last year even as labor demand remains at its highest level since 2007. “Are we better off than we were last year? […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times When Tony Gagliardi lobbies on behalf of the small business advocacy group he leads in Colorado, he knows whether members of the group support or oppose certain measures. That’s because Gagliardi asks them. The National Federation of Independent Business bases its lobbying efforts on the state and national levels in […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Apartment vacancy rates in Grand Junction have dropped to their lowest levels in nearly four years. But average monthly rents also have dropped in a market that can’t yet bear substantial increases. While rental activity has slowed in recent months, the long-term trend continues toward a tighter market, said Cindy […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Nate and Wendy Gill have launched a product they expect to bring smiles to a lot of customers. But the Gills can’t help but smile themselves in pondering the potential for their new venture. The entrepreneurial couple has developed a kit that enables people to temporarily attach small crystals to […]
A measure of pending construction activity in the United States has increased, but uncertainty continues to hamper recovery in the industry. The Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) grew to eight months for the third quarter, a 3.5 percent increase. The CBI measures the amount of nonresidential construction work under […]
Colorado employers face another increase in workers’ compensation insurance premiums. The Colorado Division of Insurance announced that the “loss costs” component of premiums will increase 5.2 percent in 2013. Loss costs take into account the average cost of lost wages and medical payments of workers injured on the job. Loss costs are one factor used in […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has edged up, but remains at a recessionary level that reflects record-level uncertainty. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index rose three-tenths of a point in October. But at 93.1, the latest reading remains well below a pre-recession average of […]
The leaders of a new organization vow to pursue a proactive role in determining how public policies affect Western Colorado businesses. Michael Anton, president of the Western Colorado Business Alliance, said the group will strive to address the growing effects of elections, regulation and legislation on businesses in the region. “That’s what caused this organization […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times A Grand Junction metal finishing company plans to earn certification that will enable the firm to expand its services to aerospace and aviation manufacturers. The Grand Junction Economic Partnership will help fund the effort as part of a broader economic development initiative to assist existing manufacturers as well as attract […]