Gold is still the standard

Craig Hall, The Business Times:  Investment in gold and other precious metals is still very active,” say Teresa Mays, owner of Hedge Company in Grand Junction, “But owners should expect a bumpy ride as the world markets remain unsettled.” Mays points to a report she received six months ago stating that gold owners should expect daily […]

Real estate still providing opportunities

Craig Hall, The Business Times:  While the real estate market may be considered still going down to some, it is also providing a unique opportunity for others who can now afford to buy their own property at the today’s low prices, and even attracting some first time investors. But the trends in the Grand Valley show […]

Investment outlook: Time to take a step back

Craig Hall, The Business Times:  “Given all of the volatility in the financial markets in recent months and quarters, I believe we need to step back and remember that the market is dynamic,” says Todd Owen, Regional Investment Manager, Colorado, for Wells Fargo. Todd notes that markets have historically been a resource to raise capital for […]

It’s time to take a breath — but not for all of us

I know I pick on our government all too much. I know this for two reasons. First off, because many people tell me I do. And I guess that’s good and bad, as some tend to agree with what I have to say, but others tend to think I say it all too much. But […]

Knowing coverage key to individual health care policies

Craig Hall, The Business Times: “In my experience, most people look at two things when purchasing an individual health care policy,” says Bill Brown, an agent selling who has been health policies since the early 1970’s, “And that is to concern themselves with the parts of the policy they will use the most; prescriptions and […]

Are you covering your business for all its exposure?

Craig Hall, The Business Times: Many businesses believe their insurance needs are covered with basic workers’ comp and property and casualty insurance, and that cannot be farther from the truth as it relates to the current economy and our ever-evolving technology based business environment. “The fact is, most business owners have little to no idea just […]

Do business with an agent who knows you

Craig Hall,  The Business Times: “My agency is focused on people that own businesses,” say LaVonne Gorsuch, a State Farm agent in Grand Junction, “And because we have a relationship with the business owner that goes beyond writing insurance, we can more accurately understand just what it is they are looking to protect and plan […]

Health benefits provider expanding role in Colorado

Craig Hall, The Business Times: One of the most difficult issues to address in an economy such as we have now is in just how many fewer service people may use,” says Neil Waldron, Chief Marketing Officer and VP of Strategic Services for Rocky Mountain Health Plans (RMHP), “When coupled with the fact that people have […]

Insurance outlook: economy down, but costs heading up

Craig Hall, The Business Times: Western Colorado is experiencing a mixed bag when it comes to insurance rates. Jamie Lummis, a partner at Moody Insurance Agency in Grand Junction says that property and casualty rates are competitive, workers’ compensation had its first rate increase in nearly ten years and health insurance rates are continuing to increase. […]