Phil Castle, The Business Times: Monthly sales tax collections in Mesa County have jumped more than 15 percent — a double-digit increase over last year that bodes well not only for government coffers, but also the local economy. “I’m very happy about that,” said Marcia Arnhold, finance director for Mesa County. Arnhold said the gain […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times While the monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County spiked once again in January, labor demand as measured by a separate indicator since has increased to its highest level in four years. According to the latest estimates from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), the seasonally unadjusted jobless rate […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Increasing production of oil and natural gas from unconventional plays in the United States and the development of oil sands in Canada have substantially decreased the risk the U.S. won’t keep pace with growing energy demands. Still, far more could be done to tap ample resources to not only meet […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times A decline in apartment vacancy rates during what’s typically one of the slowest periods of the year indicates increasing activity in the Grand Junction market. “From a rental standpoint, I think we’re very healthy,” said Cindy Hoppe, manager of Bray Property Management in Grand Junction. According to the latest results […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times: While low prices pose a short-term challenge to production, natural gas remains an important long-term component of what John Felmy describes as an all-of-the-above approach to meeting future energy needs. There’s a possibility, in fact, North America could become self-sufficient by 2024. But even as technological advances have substantially increased […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times A military veteran living on a limited income has a new home to call his own thanks to the efforts of Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County and Golden Villa Homes. “It’s just a cool thing,” said Amy Rogers, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity provided […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times: Bryan Willson can recite a top 10 list of reasons natural gas will play a prominent role in the future of energy, the economy and environment in the United States. Among other things, natural gas is abundant, inexpensive and already used in homes and offices, says Willson, director of the […]
Mike Boyd believes so much in the opportunities offered by an imprinting business he operates he plans to expand the franchise in Colorado. In fact, Boyd hopes to oversee the development of more than 50 Instant Imprints locations in the state. And Grand Junction is among the first locations in which he’s looking for franchisees. […]
Higher sales and dollar volume through the first two months of the year constitute a promising start to what Annette Miller expects will be increased real estate activity in Mesa County in 2012. Property foreclosures remain a concern, though, especially if foreclosure filings don’t trend downward, said Miller, senior vice president of Heritage Title Co. […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Eric Payne has worked in a variety of roles in operating a succession of companies — business broker, business appraiser, management consultant and even restaurateur. It’s a diverse experience he describes this way: “I’ve been wearing a lot of hats over the years.” Payne combines all of those roles and […]