Plastic recycling better than bans

As if restaurants and other businesses struggling to survive the pandemic needed yet another obstacle to overcome, they face a measure under consideration in the Colorado Legislature to ban plastic bags and foam takeout containers. The measure, which has passed the House, would require retail food businesses and general stores to stop using single-use plastic […]

Small Business Optimism Index rises despite labor concerns

A measure of optimism among small business owners has increased despite concerns over unfilled jobs. The National Federation of Independent Businesses reported its Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.6 points to 99.8 in April. “Small business owners are seeing a growth in sales, but are stunted by not having enough workers,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief […]

Colorado report offers mixed outlook

An increase in business filings in Colorado bodes fell for improving economic conditions in the aftermath of a pandemic, but some industry sectors continue to face challenges. “Colorado is poised to make a full job recovery from the recession by 2022. But many Coloradans still are struggling from job loss due to COVID-19,” said Colorado […]

New Colorado loan fund to provide up to $250 million to small businesses

A new loan fund will provide up to $250 million in working capital through 2023 to small businesses in Colorado. The Colorado Department of the Treasury, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority and Office of Economic Development and International Trade launched the Colorado Loans for Increasing Mainstreet Business and Economic Recovery (CLIMBER) fund. “At this critical […]

Outdoor fest to return to Palisade on May 15

An event planned for Palisade will show children and their families some of the activities they can enjoy outside. The Outdoor Heritage Day Festival is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 15 at Riverbend Park. “We’re excited to be back at Riverbend Park after having to cancel last year’s festivities due to the […]

New airline begins service to Southern California

A new airline has launched service between Grand Junction and Southern California. Avelo Airlines conducted the inaugural flight on May 9 of a route scheduled to offer four flights a week between Grand Junction Regional Airport and Hollywood Burbank Airport. “We are elated to welcome Avelo to Grand Junction Regional Airport,”said Angela Padalecki, director of […]

Mesa County sales tax collections jump

Sales tax collections, a measure of retail activity, continue to increase in Mesa County. Sales tax collections for April jumped 42.2 percent over the same month last year. Collections through the first four months of 2020 were up 17.2 percent. April collections reflect March sales. The county reported collecting a total of nearly $4.3 million […]

Construction firm relocates to Grand Valley

A construction business founded in Hawaii has relocated its operation to the Grand Valley. The firm — eCo Super Structures — also has been accepted to participate in the Rural Jump-Start tax credit program. “We are really excited to officially welcome eCo Super Structures to the Grand Valley,” said Steve Jozefczyk, deputy director of the […]