New state lawmaker from Grand Junction offers entrepreneurial view

New state lawmaker from Grand Junction offers entrepreneurial view

As an entrepreneur, Ray Scott knows businesses must adapt to changing market conditions. Scott has substantially changed the operations of his own Grand Junction companies over the years. A firm that initially provided equipment to the energy industry now sells natural gas fireplaces for hotels and high-end homes. When business for his warehousing company fell […]

Budget, redistricting on agenda

Budget, redistricting on agenda

The budget and redistricting likely will take up a lot of time during the legislative session in Colorado. But two Mesa County lawmakers also hope to reduce fees and taxes that affect businesses. Laura Bradford, a Republican from Collbran serving her second term in House District 55, said she hopes the Legislature will reverse course […]

U.S. jobless rate declines as payrolls keep growing

The unemployment rate in the United States has dropped to its lowest level in 18 months even as payrolls continue to grow. According to the latest estimates from the Department of Commerce, the monthly unemployment rate dropped four-tenths to 9.4 percent in December. Meanwhile, nonfarm payrolls grew 103,000. The latest jobless rate is the lowest […]

Rising index forecasts improving prospects for Colorado

A monthly measure of business conditions in Colorado has jumped more than four points as prospects improve for growth in the first half of the new year. “Recent surveys point to improving economic conditions for the first half of 2011, with industries with close ties to energy and agriculture pushing overall state growth higher,” said […]

Grand Junction apartment survey: Vacancy rate down, monthly rent up

Apartment vacancy rates have declined in Grand Junction for a third consecutive quarter, although they remain high by long-term standards. According to the latest results of a survey conducted for the Colorado Division of Housing, the average apartment vacancy rate for Grand Junction fell to 7.9 percent for the third quarter. Since spiking at 13.2 […]

Real estate firm honors top-performing agents for November

Mary Kruse posted the highest sales total and Cynthia Castaneda the most listings in November at Heiden Homes Realty and Associates in Grand Junction. In addition to working as a real estate agent, Kruse helps manage Heiden Homes Realty. She holds the Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) designation. Reach her at 210-5026 or maryk@heidenhomes.com. Castaneda has lived […]

Wells Fargo names Western Colorado community banking president

A man with nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry will oversee Wells Fargo retail banking operations in Western Slope and mountain resort markets. Wells Fargo named Yanus Nelson community banking president for Western Colorado. Working out of Grand Junction, Nelson will manage 23 retail banking locations. Steve Irion remains community bank […]

It’s a new Market for Grand Junction

After holding onto property along 24 Road in Grand Junction for nearly a decade, City Market has opened a grocery store in the area. The City Market at 630 24 Road officially opened Dec. 15, the first new outlet for the grocery store chain in Grand Junction since a store opened at 200 Rood Ave. in […]

Power plant emissions order provokes energized debate

Plans to change the operations of Xcel Energy power plants to reduce emissions has sparked a debate over the potential effects in Western Colorado. Depending on who’s talking, the changes could bolster natural gas production in the region, but at the expense of coal mining jobs. But Fred Eggleston, for one, believes the effects won’t […]