Small Business Optimism Index rises

A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has climbed to one of its highest levels on more upbeat expectations for sales and earnings. “2020 is off to an explosive start for the small business economy, with owners expecting increased sales, earnings and higher wages for employees,” said William Dunkelberg, chief economist of the […]

New year begins with payroll gains

A new year has begun with payroll gains across a range of industry sectors. Nonfarm payrolls increased 225,000, and the unemployment rate edged up a tenth of a point to 3.6 percent in January, according to the latest Labor Department estimates. The initial estimate for payroll gains in December was revised upward 2,000 to 147,000. […]

HomeGoods store coming to Mesa Mall

A home furnishing and decorating retailer will open a store in Mesa Mall in Grand Junction. Washington Prime Group, a real estate investment trust that owns Mesa Mall, announced HomeGoods will open in a space previously used by Sports Authority. Other store openings in the mall are expected in 2020, Washington Prime Group announced in […]

Company ready to get growing in Grand Valley

An agricultural lighting company has scheduled a grand opening celebration for its new headquarters in Grand Junction. Violet Gro will host the event from 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 20 at its location at 2764 Compass Drive, Suite 101. Robin Brown, executive director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, welcomed the opening of the Violet […]

Community Hospital gets top rating in assessment

Community Hospital in Grand Junction received the highest rating in a national assessment of quality and safety standards. Community Hospital received a five-star quality rating for 2020 in the Hospital Compare assessment by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). “Our entire staff has worked tirelessly to achieve this prestigious distinction. By awarding us […]

They do that here? Thankfully, they do

It can be surprising, even to those who’ve long lived in the area, to discover some of the remarkable businesses that operate in the Grand Valley and equally remarkable products and services they provide. The realization can provoke a common response: I didn’t know they do that here. One of the first examples to come […]

Who was Ludwig von Mises? It’s time to bring back his work

Ludwig Heinrich Edler von Mises was one of the most notable economists of the 20th century. He popularized praxeology —  the science of human action, that humans engage in conscious or purposeful actions toward chosen goals. Ludwig von Mises demonstrated: The expansion of free markets, the division of labor and private capital investment is the […]

Grand Junction Volkswagen awarded for customer service

Grand Junction Volkswagen has received more recognition for customer service. The dealership received a 2020 Customer Satisfaction Award from the DealerRater dealer review website. “This award is a reflection of our team’s efforts to keep the customer experience at the forefront of everything we do,” said Ron Bubar, owner of Grand Junction Volkswagen. “Our customers […]

West Star Aviation increases staffing to handle repair services

West Star Aviation has increased staffing to handle aircraft on ground and mobile repair services and also offers other services to accommodate special events. John Mansfield, satellite operations and mobile repair team manager at West Star Aviation, said crews are available around the clock. “We can provide services such as maintenance, inspections, evaluations and repairs […]