Tax day brings winners and losers

The good news is that business is terrific right now for the professionals paid to prepare tax returns. The bad news is that the tax code that ensures their success weighs down an essential sector of job creation: small business.  Fully 91 percent of small business owners surveyed recently by the National Federation of Independent […]

What’s the better policy: vacation or paid time off?

What’s the better policy when it comes to offering employees vacation time, sick time and paid time off? While the answer depends on the needs and goals of a company, the one certainty is good policy is good business. When I meet with business owners and managers to discuss vacation policies, we frequently discover their […]

Does your business stand out in the marketplace?

Consumers typically enjoy a variety of businesses from which to choose when they’re in the market for a certain product or service. And they’re increasingly discerning with their financial resources when looking to satisfy their individual wants and needs. That’s why it’s more important than ever to be consistent in your professional offerings. Exceptional companies […]

Q&A offers sneak peek at employment law update

Here’s a sneak peak at the upcoming Western Colorado Human Resource Association spring conference and employment law update by way of a series of questions and answers with Michael Santo, a partner in the  Bechtel & Santo law firm. Representatives of the Grand Junction firm, which specializes in employment law, will speak at the April […]

Labor report reflects slowing in job growth

The pace of hiring in the United States slowed in March with the smallest gain in payrolls in nine months. The jobless rate edged down, but only because more people stopped looking for work and were no longer counted among the unemployed. According to the latest Department of Labor estimates, nonfarm payrolls grew just 88,000 […]

Index: Small business owners less upbeat

A monthly index tracking optimism among small business owners has retreated on less upbeat expectations for hiring and sales. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Index of Small Business Optimism fell 1.3 points to 89.5 in March. The decline ended a string of three straight months of gains. Over 44 months of […]

Solar power touts cars that run on sun

Phil Castle, The Business Times Cory Sullivan eases slowly into the driver’s seat of the low-slung sports car, a maneuver that looks practiced, like slipping on a pair of favorite jeans. Sullivan backs out of the parking spot and steers onto an empty street. He’s waited for this moment to punch the accelerator and takes […]

Ready to “be the one?” Upcoming event will offer help

Phil Castle, The Business Times Sue Hansen has observed over the course of her career as a corporate trainer and motivational speaker the tendency of some people to underestimate their abilities, not to mention the extent of their influence. That’s why Hansen frequently encourages those with which she works and talks to “be the one” […]

Free classes offer information on 1031 exchange strategies

Phil Castle, The Business Times Federal tax code offers advantages to people who sell one property and then soon buy another property — chief among them the ability to defer taxes on capital gains. With capital gains tax rates increasing this year, 1031 exchanges likely will become an even more popular strategy, said Tracey Wilson, […]