GeoMaker Institute offer training to teachers and students

A new program will offer training to teachers and students on geographic information systems and other topics. Heidi Ragsdale — a science, engineering, technology and math educator and advocate — will establish the GeoMaker Institute at the GJmakerspace at the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction. A grant from the National Geographic Society will establish […]

Grand Junction chamber awarded for development efforts

The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has once again earned recognition for its efforts to promote economic development. The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) presented the chamber a silver-level award as part of the annual Excellence in Economic Development awards program. With more than 5,000 members, the IEDC is the world’s largest organization serving […]

Value-based health care offers better outcomes at lower costs

by Monument Health Chances are, you’ll hear more about value-based health care as the term gains popularity in the days and weeks ahead. Better still, you’ll probably receive value-based care right here in the Grand Valley. Hospitals, primary care providers and specialists across the valley are committed to providing value-based care. Monument Health, a clinically […]

Vote yes on Proposition 113 to amplify Western Colorado’s voice

Coloradans deserve an open and honest discussion on Proposition 113, also known as the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. Unfortunately, they’re not getting it as opponents continue to propagate myths and falsehoods. The latest example is the column on this website by Rose Pugliese. Proposition 113 makes Colorado relevant again by guaranteeing the presidency to […]

West Slope land conservation groups merge

Two organizations have merged to continue efforts to preserve open spaces and natural resources in Western Colorado. Colorado West Land Trust and Black Canyon Regional Land Trust announced the merger into a single legal entity. The Colorado West Land Trust will be headquartered in Grand Junction, but also operate an office in Montrose. “With the […]

Federal agencies streamline process for PPP loan forgiveness

A new form has been released to streamline the process for applying for forgiveness of loans of $50,000 or less issued through the Paycheck Protection Program. The U.S. Small Business Administration joined with the Treasury Department in announcing the action. SBA and Treasury also have eased burdens on lenders to enable them to process forgiveness […]

Collection reports: Sales tax up, lodging tax down

Tax collections continue to rise in the Grand Valley, one indicator of increasing retail sales activity. The City of Grand Junction reported a 1.4 percent increase in sales and use tax collections in September compared to the same month last year. Mesa County reported a 6.8 percent year-over-year gain. Meanwhile, though, city lodging tax collections, […]

Survey shows small business owners more optimistic

A measure of optimism among small business owners continues to increase on more upbeat expectations for an improving economy and higher earnings. The overall outlook remains unclear, though, because of the coronavirus pandemic, said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist of the National Federation of Independent Business. “As parts of the country continue to open, small businesses […]

Hilltop executive reappointed to state council

Will Hays of Grand Junction was reappointed chairman of the Colorado Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Advisory Council. Hays, chief operating officer of Hilltop Community Resources, serves as a representative of profit and nonprofit organizations on the council. The council is charged under the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act to advise the governor […]