Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment in Mesa County has increased for a third consecutive month, concluding a fourth quarter slowdown in hiring activity. But the jobless rate at the end of 2012 was still slightly lower than the end of 2011. Continued, albeit slow, improvement in labor conditions is expected for 2013. […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Sales tax collections for Mesa County and the City of Grand Junction lag well behind last year in the latest monthly reports. Still, overall collections reported for 2012 topped 2011. It’s a situation that’s prompted local officials to project continued increases for 2013, but remain on the lookout for a […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times The Grand Junction Economic Partnership kicks off its latest fund-raising effort already half way toward its goal of raising $1.5 million in financial support for the economic development organization. But GJEP leaders say it’s going to take a collaborative effort among local businesses over the coming year to achieve success […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times A growing business in Fruita offers a unique combination for craft beer connoisseurs: a place in which they can not only purchase supplies to brew beer, but also purchase beer on tap in the very next room. Kettles Homebrew Supply has expanded with the opening of Copper Club Brewing Co. […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times A broad coalition of business organizations, government entities and academic institutions has made progress toward achieving three economic development goals for Mesa County, officials from the coalition say. Even as a committee reviews energy innovation projects for possible funding, a team of “first responders” helps struggling businesses stay in business. […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times The Mesa County real estate market continues to offer opportunities to investors who are prepared to act quickly. And a year-old group continues to offer help to those investors in hosting educational presentations and fostering networking connections. “I think it’s been really good,” said Doug Van Etten, a broker associate […]
Michael Burke has spent a good portion of his legal career representing businesses and business owners. So it’s a concept with which he’s not only familiar, but also relishes, in representing businesses in a different role: chairman of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “Our mission is to be the voice […]
Doug Sanders oversees one of the fastest-growing retailers in the United States as president and chief executive officer of Sprouts Farmers Market. Since its start in 2002, the chain of natural foods grocery stores has lengthened through mergers and new construction to nearly 150 locations in eight states. Add Grand Junction to the list with […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Michael Burkhard expects the increase in real estate activity that occurred in Mesa County in 2012 to continue in 2013. “I think it’s going to move up in 2013. I’m excited for it anyway,” said Burkhard, a real estate agent with RE/MAX 4000 and chairman of the Grand Junction Area […]
Manny Franco displays one of the best-selling items at On & Poppin Sports — a Peyton Manning jersey. (Business Times photo by Phil Manny Franco hopes to ride the Denver Broncos bandwagon as far as it goes into the NFL playoffs. For one thing, the Broncos have fielded a talented team this season, Franco said. […]