Phil Castle, The Business Times Rising sales tax collections in Grand Junction and Mesa County indicate what local government officials see as improving economic conditions. Officials say they remain cautiously optimistic in their expectations for how long the trend will continue. “I think we are seeing an improvement,” said Jodi Romero, financial operations director for […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County has risen along with a seasonal surge of high school and college students looking for summer jobs. But the increase in the jobless rate this year was smaller than in past years, offering encouragement labor market conditions are improving. “The best way to […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Peggy Barron knows what dogs need: plenty of exercise and interaction, but also a quiet place to rest and feel safe. She also knows what dog owners need: a boarding facility to care for their pets that also offers grooming and training. Barron expects to cater to dogs and their […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times April Magdaleno believes the secret to good customer service is no secret at all. “I think it’s just having that positive attitude and listening to and understanding people.” Magdaleno strives to maintain a good attitude, respond promptly to inquiries and make connections with clients. It’s an effort she said has […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper says he’s mostly receptive to a wide range of ideas for improving the economy in Western Colorado. Establish a permanent staff position to address the effects of federal land decisions in the state? “That’s an easy one. I’m happy to say yes,” Hickenlooper said. Consider the […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Seth Schaeffer loves nothing more than telling stories in the videos his company creates. Whether they’re explaining what a business does or pitching its products or services, the videos also convey what Schaeffer describes as the humanity behind the brands. A two-minute promotional piece for a company that sells equipment […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Bolstered in part by several large commercial deals, real estate activity has picked up in Mesa County. While no significant movement in the overall market is expected this year, the latest numbers offer some encouragement. “We’re picking up a little speed,” said Annette Miller, senior vice president of Heritage Title […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Tanya Baber believes small businesses sometimes face a disadvantage in competing against franchise operations that receive corporate assistance with everything from accounting to insurance to marketing. But Baber has set out to level the playing field in providing that same diversity of assistance to the small business owners for which she […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times The role of a business improvement district in promoting downtown Grand Junction will be reviewed as efforts proceed to renew the district. The district imposes an assessment on commercial property downtown to fund advertising, special events and other promotions. Business and property owners are encouraged to join in a process of […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times When construction slowed in the Grand Valley — and the sheet metal business along with it — Wes Beaver began thinking of other ways to use the expensive machinery at his Grand Junction company. He came up with an idea to fabricate portable camp stoves. But what started out as a […]