Phil Castle, The Business Times Matt Varilek knows from personal experience the importance of helping entrepreneurs turn businesses often started on dining room tables into successful ventures. In addition to his experiences as an aide to two U.S. Senators from South Dakota and his training in economic development, Varilek said he assisted his wife when […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Connie Ferguson jokes that what started out as a craft show exploded into a department store. In looking for a location for an extended holiday arts and crafts show, Ferguson founded instead an enterprise that’s evolved far beyond her initial expectations in offering a year-round venue in which artists and […]
In a world of instant communications, the real estate industry continues to keep pace with the latest technological advances. Smart phones can work as electronic keys to open lock boxes. Programs offer instant tracking of listings in the multiple listing service. Digital cameras upload photos and videos wirelessly to computers. That’s not to mention electronic […]
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 […]