Consumer Confidence Index retreats

A measure of consumer confidence decreased as uncertainty increased over the economy and business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index declined to 106.7 in February, down from a revised 110.9 in January. The drop interrupted what had been a three-month rise. The New York think tank bases the index on […]

Initiative aims to promote sustainable ag industry

An initiative is under way to identify and address issues affecting the agricultural industry in Western Colorado. The Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction will launch what’s billed as the AgriWest initiative with a federal grant from the Economic Recovery Corps. Janie VanWinkle, a West Slope rancher and beef producer, will serve as a fellow […]

Governor discusses issues during Grand Valley visit

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis discussed a variety of issues during a visit to Grand Junction, including recycling, housing and airline service. Polis joined in a roundtable discussion at the Business Incubator Center about new efforts to promote the use of recycled materials and a circular economy. He delivered a local version of his State of […]

Grand Junction city manager selected for Arizona job

The Grand Junction City Council plans to work with City Manager Greg Caton in coming months to develop a transition plan after Caton was selected as assistant city manager for the City of Scottsdale, Ariz. “This community greeted me warmly eight years ago, and the connections I have made here will remain despite the distance […]

Chambers schedule candidate forums

The Fruita and Palisade chambers of commerce have scheduled public forums featuring candidates in upcoming municipal elections. The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a Fruita City Council candidate forum for 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Fruita Monument High School auditorium at 1102 Wildcat Ave. The doors are set to open […]

District 51 superintendent gets longer contract

The Mesa County School District 51 Board of Education has extended the contract of Superintendent Brian Hill. The board voted to extend Hill’s contract an additional five years through June 2030. Hill assumed the role of superintendent in 2022. “Extending his employment contract is not just a decision, but a declaration of confidence in a […]

Leading index: Slowing likely, recession not

A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to decline, but no longer signals a recession. The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index fell four-tenths of a percent to 102.7 in January. Separate measures of current and past conditions both increased. Justyna Zabinska-La Monica, senior manager of business cycle indicators at […]

Pella Experience Center opens in Grand Junction

Pella Windows and Doors of Grand Junction has opened what’s billed as a full-service retail shopping experience for homeowners, builders, contractors and designers in Western Colorado. “Providing Grand Junction and the surrounding communities with a retail experience that is unlike any other in our market was important to us,” said Chris Pettofrezzo, the local Pella […]

Alpine Bank advises customers to remain wary of fraudulent texts and emails

Alpine Bank advises customers at all banking institutions to remain vigilant as scammers continue to send fraudulent texts and emails intended to fool people into disclosing confidential bank account information. The texts and emails contain links to fake bank login pages. The messages often indicate the person’s account is locked or there’s a pending transaction. […]