Auto sales bolster tax collections

Phil Castle, The Business Times Tax collections continue to rise in the Grand Valley, a gain one official attributed in part to automotive sales. The City of Grand Junction reported a  5.8 percent increase in sales tax collections in August, the largest monthly proportional gain in year-over-year collections in a year. Mesa County reported a […]

State treasurer calls for consistent energy policy

Phil Castle, The Business Times A statewide energy policy would offer more certainty to an industry that plays an important role in the Colorado economy, according to State Treasurer Walker Stapleton. “We absolutely need a consistent policy,” Stapleton said during a presentation hosted by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. While Stapleton discussed several […]

Work to soon begin on Horizon Drive renovations

Phil Castle, The Business Times Construction is scheduled to soon begin on what is hoped will be the first phase of renovations along Horizon Drive in Grand Junction to improve traffic flow and safety as well as make what proponents believe will be a better first impression on visitors. “People are pretty excited about the […]

Manufacturing stories: Film promotes Colorado industry

Manufacturing stories: Film promotes Colorado industry

Phil Castle, The Business Times        Seth Schaeffer tells stories in the films his Grand Junction video production company produces. And some of his favorite stories are about manufacturers. Schaeffer has his reasons, among them the compelling footage manufacturing processes offer. “Visually, it’s always so beautiful and spectacular.” Schaeffer also likes to portray […]

Real estate update: August sales down, but 2015 sales still up

Phil Castle, The Business Times While real estate activity slowed in Mesa County in August, overall transactions and dollar volume remain up and are expected to finish the year that way. “I’m a little surprised, but not concerned,” said Robert Bray, chief executive officer of Bray Real Estate in Grand Junction. Annette Miller, senior vice […]

Mesa County Enterprise Zone enlarged

Phil Castle, The Business Times While the exact boundaries of the Enterprise Zone will change, the state program offering tax credits for business development will continue in Mesa County. The redrawn and enlarged zone was among 14 across the state approved by the Colorado Economic Development Commission that will become effective in January. Enterprise Zones […]

Investment forecast focuses on the three Fs

Phil Castle, The Business Times Ross McDonald bases his outlook for investment markets in 2015 in part on what he terms the three Fs: whether or not stock markets are priced fairly; the prospects for various investments to generate fixed income; and fallow ground — that is, areas of potential opportunities. McDonald, a regional vice […]

Governor open to suggestions at West Slope meeting

Phil Castle, The Business Times Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper was not only receptive to, but also supportive of, many of the suggestions he heard during a meeting in Grand Junction. Hickenlooper voiced his approval for everything from exporting liquid natural gas to improving Internet access to further promoting tourism. He also reiterated his support of […]