Phil Castle, The Business Times A long-awaited meeting with Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper to talk face-to-face about ways to improve the economy in Western Colorado finally has been scheduled. “We are very pleased that the governor is coming over,” said Bonnie Petersen, executive director of Club 20 based in Grand Junction. The group of businesses, governments […]
Phil CastleThe Business Times The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County has dropped to its lowest level in more than five years, but there are far fewer people in the local work force. The latest labor estimates, although encouraging, still offer mixed economic news, said Suzie Miller, business services manager at the Mesa County Workforce […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Year-over-year gains in sales tax collections in the Grand Valley continue to reflect increased retail activity as well as offer the promise of improving economic conditions. “I think we’re turning in the right direction,” said Elizabeth Tice-Janda, revenue supervisor for the City of Grand Junction. Frank Whidden, deputy administrator for […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times A federal plan to reduce carbon emissions from power plants has drawn fierce criticism from mining and business groups fearful the new rules could cost jobs and hurt the economy. Others have praised the proposal, though, for addressing what’s considered the single largest source in the United States of so-called greenhouse […]
Craig Gustafson operates a busy family medical practice in Grand Junction, seeing patients who range in age from infancy to over 100 and diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions from common to life-threatening. Gustafson says he loves his profession and the relationships he’s developed with his patients at Appleton Clinics over the past decade. […]
Phil Castle,The Business Times Tammy Allen vividly remembers watching the 2009 running of the Kentucky Derby on television — as well as her reaction when her brother’s horse, a 50-to-1 long shot, finished first. “Oh my God, I can’t believe it.” That moment — along with the story of the racehorse, owners and trainer who […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Michael Santo welcomes a return to a broader evaluation in distinguishing between independent contractors and employees following a ruling from the Colorado Supreme Court. “It’s finally back to where it should be, back to where the Legislature intended,” said Santo, a partner with the Grand Junction employment law firm of Bechtel […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times While the number of real estate transactions in Mesa County continues to lag behind last year, the combined dollar volume of those deals has kept pace. Meanwhile, fewer sales of foreclosed properties reflects the return to more normal market conditions. “It looks like we’re going to keep pace with last year […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Adam Winch trains women to defend themselves — with guns, if necessary. So Winch knows how women should carry concealed weapons. The best way is carry a handgun in a holster on their bodies. But the next best option is to carry a gun in a bag, says Winch, owner of […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times JaCee Apple worked hard to marry form and function in a unique line of handbags she designed. She wanted handbags that offer the style and quality that appeal to fashion-forward women. But she also had a practical purpose in mind: quick access to a concealed handgun. Apple believes she’s developed a […]