Study: Colorado second best state to start a business

Colorado ranks second among the best states to start a business, according to a new study evaluating a combination of factors. Forbes Advisor conducted the study, taking into account a total of 18 metrics across five categories — business costs, business climate, financial accessibility, economy and workforce. The metrics included taxes, wages, business survival rates, […]

Home care agency among winners of West Slope grants

SummitWest Care based in Grand Junction was among the latest recipients of grants to support efforts to improve the lives of older adults and their caregivers. SummitWest Care received a $25,000 grant, one of eight grants worth a total of nearly $240,000 the NextFifty Initiative awarded to Western Colorado organizations. SummitWest Care will use the […]

Grand Valley schools awarded for student achievement

Three Grand Valley schools are among the winners of a new awards recognizing student achievement since 2019. Chatfield and Rocky Mountain Elementary and Bookcliff Middle School received Governor’s Bright Spot Awards. The schools also received $50,000 in Governor’s Emergency Education Relief funds to use for expanding student resources, faculty development and other opportunities to promote […]

Horizon Sunrise Rotary Club awards $35,300 in grants

The Horizon Sunrise Rotary Club of Grand Junction awarded a total of $35,300 in grants to 14 not-for-profit organizations in Mesa County. The Club serves local charities and international projects. Club members support these efforts with personal contributions and fund-raising, including the annual A La Mode, an event featuring desserts, wines and savory foods. The […]

Process continues to award cannabis licenses

The process to determine licenses for cannabis stores and co-located medical and retail outlets continues in Grand Junction. So far, 21 applications have been approved for a randomized selection process, while 13 applications are pending and three have been denied. “It is important to ensure the review and selection process is fair for all those […]

Grand Junction council adopts rec center plan

Planning is moving forward to construct a community recreation center in Grand Junction that could be funded in part by an increase in sales taxes. The Grand Junction City Council adopted a community recreation center plan for a facility to be constructed at Matchett Park with funding by taxes on cannabis sales and a proposed […]

Leading index signals possible recession

An index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to retreat, signaling a possible recession. The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index (LEI) declined eight-tenths of a percent to 114.9 in October. The index has dropped in each of the last eight months. Separate measures of current and past conditions increased in October. […]

Sales tax collections trend upward

Sales tax collections, a key measure of retail activity, continue to trend upward in Grand Junction and Mesa County. The City of Grand Junction reported a 10.1 percent increase in sales tax collections in October compared to the same month last year. Mesa County reported an 8.3 percent year-over-year gain. October reports reflect September sales. […]

Latest economic report details mixed indicators for Colorado

An increase in new business filings bodes well for continued job growth and improving economic conditions in Colorado, according to the latest results of a quarterly report. But even as new businesses open, existing business close. Concerns about inflation and other challenges continue to dampen expectations. “Our latest data shows Colorado’s economy continues to excel […]