Phil Castle, The Business Times Andrea Phillips is enrolled in something of a crash course on the operations of the City of Grand Junction and the various partners with which the city works. Since she started working as interim city manager on April 8, Phillips said she’s met with city staff, community leaders and residents. […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Krystyn Hartman isn’t yet willing to give up on her idea of establishing an online marketplace to sell fine arts and crafts. But the former Grand Junction magazine publisher said she’s frustrated by state legislation she said thwarted her efforts — and by state officials she accused of spreading disinformation […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Local governments support businesses and a business-friendly environment in a variety of ways, officials say. But challenges persist that affect businesses, including access to behavioral health services, rising housing costs and issues related to the homeless. Representatives from Mesa County, the cities of Grand Junction and Fruita and the Town […]
This time of year always brings to mind an unusual fantasy. No, not that kind of fantasy. I want to be a commencement speaker. Each graduation season renews my yearning to shower graduates with my wit and wisdom. I can almost hear the raucous laughter that follows a deftly delivered punch line. I can almost […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment rate dropped for a second straight month in Mesa County as seasonal hiring heated up along with spring weather. “A seasonal increase in hiring and lower unemployment rate is typical for this time of year,” said Tabi Britt, employment services supervisor at the Mesa County Workforce Center […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Jim Over remembers pulling out a map of the United States to search for possible locations for the steel fabrication business he hoped to open. While he considered several sites, he decided on Grand Junction and subsequently launched Western Slope Iron & Supply. Fast forward 50 years, and the company […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Phillips Armstrong Jr. has learned from personal experience entrepreneurship is hard. Entrepreneurship in the hospitality industry can be even harder. But ambition, a willingness to take risks and empathy contribute to success that’s important not only on a personal level, but a broader one, he said. “This world needs hospitality […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times An average snowpack and what are forecast as average runoffs are expected to equate to sufficient water in Mesa County this summer despite dry conditions overall. That also means no mandatory restrictions are planned, although water conservation measures are encouraged. “We’re having an average year,” said Randi Kim, utilities director […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Year-over-year increases in sales and dollar volume signal what could be a more robust real estate market in Mesa County. “There’s a recovery in the works — possibly,” said Robert Bray, chief executive officer of Bray & Co. Real Estate based in Grand Junction. “There’s some action in the marketplace.” […]
One of the many advantages of working at one business journal for as long as I have is the opportunity to watch enterprises start and develop into operations that grow. To see that remarkable evolution occur over time. I’ve enjoyed this opportunity on a number of occasions with a number of businesses, most recently in […]