Phil Castle, The Business Times Mesa County is positioned for growth in 2023, according to the latest results of an annual business and economic forecast for the year ahead. The mostly upbeat outlook is based in part on a more diversified economy with expected gains in the energy, manufacturing and tourism sectors. Economic indicators also […]
Phil Castle, Business Times Real estate activity continues to slow in Mesa County as a combination of higher interest rates and prices make homes less affordable for prospective buyers. The story of the local market has changed, said Robert Bray, as mortgage interest rates and residential inventories have reversed roles. In nearly doubling, interest rates […]
The best part about Thanksgiving and the holiday season — along with all the delicious food, of course — are the reminders this time of year provides about what’s actually important. Family. Friends. Health. Freedom. And all the other blessings we enjoy. It’s helpful in putting less essential stuff into perspective. Granted, it’s been another […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Holly Cremeens draws no distinction between the water that irrigates the Grand Valley agricultural property where she and her husband, Mark, live and the business they operate there. “There’s no water, there’s no farm.” That’s why she closely follows developments related to water and says she’s increasingly alarmed about a […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times The leaders of Grand Valley business groups remain optimistic the upcoming holidays really will be the most wonderful time of the year. Leaders say there’s still pent-up demand for personal holiday experiences following the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions. A myriad of events are planned mixing seasonal celebrations with shopping […]
Phil Castle, Business Times The unemployment rate seesawed back up in Mesa County even as payrolls and the overall labor force declined between September and October. But the latest jobless rate remains below this time last year. And there are other indications employers enjoy more success in filling openings, said Lindsay Bullock, director of the […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Lindsay Bullock recalls what her mother once told her about what retailers actually sell, and that’s customer service. Bullock remains mindful of that maxim in her latest role as director of the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction. What she describes as a one-stop shop provides an array of […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times A facility is expected to open next summer at Community Hospital in Grand Junction to provide child care services to employees there and in turn help address a child care shortage in Mesa County. Child care is especially important in retaining and recruiting health care workers, said Chris Thomas, president […]
Phil Castle, Business Times Real estate activity continues to slow in Mesa County even as interest rates rise and uncertainty mounts over a midterm election and possible recession. Annette Young, the administrative coordinator at Heritage Title Co. who’s long tracked the market, said local trends are similar to what’s happening elsewhere. “I think it’s kind […]
I’m inclined to write columns offering at least somewhat upbeat perspectives. That’s a reflection in part of what could be considered my hopelessly naive nature. But also my desire not to pile on to the challenges so many already face. Consequently, I generally avoid columns about politics and especially elections. There’s sufficient mud to go […]