Leading index signals growth in 2021

A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to increase, signaling growth in the year ahead. The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index (LEI) advanced two-tenths of a percent to 110.5 in February. A separate measure of current conditions decreased, while a measure of past performance increased. “The acceleration of the […]

Western Colorado sisters among ag industry honorees

Janie VanWinkle, a Fruita rancher who serves as president of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, is among the latest honorees in an annual awards program recognizing leaders in the Colorado agriculture industry. VanWinkle is one of two Trailblazer Award winners in the 2021 Who’s Who in Agriculture program conducted by the Denver Business Journal and Colorado […]

Family Health West announces board officer and members

Dustin Wells, Jennifer Landini and Paul Burdett have been elected officers of the Family Health West Board of Trustees. Ken Palmer and Jerry Hamilton return to the board. Wells was elected board chairman. He serves as president of the Grand Valley Bank branch in Fruita. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Colorado […]

West Star Aviation authorized to install electronic upgrades

West Star Aviation is authorized to install Pro Line Fusion systems in Challenger 604 aircraft. The electronics upgrade is available at the company’s full-service facilities in Grand Junction as well as those in Illinois, Missouri and Tennessee. The Pro Line system is designed to keep Challenger 604 aircraft in compliance with domestic and international mandates, […]

School board selects new superintendent

An educator who’s worked nearly two years as assistant superintendent of Mesa County School District 51 has been selected to lead the district. The Mesa County School Board announced Brian Hill will become the next superintendent. Hill will succeed Diana Sirko when she retires next year. Hill was hired in July 2019 as assistant superintendent. […]

Mesa County moves higher in ranking of small metro areas

Mesa County climbed another 24 spots in the latest comparison of how small metropolitan areas fare for job and wage growth as well as high-tech output. Mesa County ranked 57th in the Milken Institute Best-Performing Cities Index for 2021, up from 81st in 2020. The Milken Institute, a California think tank, ranks 200 large metropolitan […]

Small Business Optimism Index edges up

A measure of optimism among small business owners has edged up even as owners contend with the effects of inclement weather and the coronavirus pandemic. The National Federation of Independent Business reported its Small Business Optimism Index rose eight-tenths to 95.8 in February. The index remains below its 47-year average of 98. “Small business owners […]

Mesa County tax collections on the rise

A key measure of sales activity continues to increase in Mesa County. The county reported collecting a total of nearly $3.17 million in sales and use taxes in February, an increase of more than $352,000 and 12.5 percent from the same month last year. Sales tax collections rose 11.8 percent. Use tax collections — nearly […]