As the recently appointed Region VIII administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), I’m proud to recognize a milestone close to my heart. This year marks the 25th anniversary of enactment of the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988. This landmark legislation laid the foundation for increased federal support of women-owned businesses, now one […]
Registration is underway for a leadership conference that will cover such topics as consensus building, ethics and workplace motivation. The 2013 Club 20 Leadership Conference is scheduled for June 6 and 7 at the DoubleTree Hotel by Marriott, 743 Horizon Drive in Grand Junction. The Colorado State University System will present the two-day conference that […]
Kelly Sloan, The Business Times A recent municipal election that drew sharp distinctions between candidates and positions also sparked a debate about the role of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce in that process. While the chamber long has taken positions on policies that affect business, its increasingly proactive efforts have drawn the indignation […]
I introduced in my last column several of the blockages businesses often confront in their pursuit of excellence and success. I defined these blockages and elaborated on some negative results these barriers bring to a company afflicted with them. In case you missed it, the column appears on the Business Times website , In this […]
Kelly Sloan, The Business Times Republican state lawmakers from the Grand Valley said they were challenged and frustrated by a legislative session controlled by Democrats. While some of the measures that were enacted could hurt businesses, other measures affecting the energy industry were defeated. State Sen. Steve King of Grand Junction called the latest session […]
A monthly index forecasting economic performance in the United States has advanced on growing strength in the housing and labor markets, signalling continued growth in the months ahead. Separate measures of current and past economic performance also edged up. Cuts in federal spending and continued uncertainty for businesses and consumers could affect the outlook, however. […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times: The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County continues to decline as hiring heats up along with the spring weather. Drops in the jobless rate in each of the last three months as well as a separate measure of labor demand offer encouragement labor conditions are improving and an overall work […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times After years spent volunteering for a variety of business and charitable organizations, Janet Brink has channeled her passion for community service into her new role as executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County. And Brink couldn’t be happier with the mission at hand: providing safe, decent and affordable […]
One of my earliest clients is a delightful couple who operate successful businesses in the Grand Valley. Bill’s business sense has generated moderate success, and Bill and Carole have been able to salt away enough in mutual funds they’re comfortable in thinking about retirement. They remain concerned, though, that their savings might not be there […]
Planning is vital to enjoying a happy and peaceful retirement — not just financial planning, but preparation in a wide range of areas. My investment and retirement planning practice breaks planning issues into four distinct stages. We encourage people to start planning at least 10 years before hitting their retirement dates. While successful retirees share […]