Sales tax collections, a key indicator of retail activity, continue to increase in the Grand Valley. The City of Grand Junction reported a 2.7 percent increase in collections in May compared to the same month last year. The proportional increase was even larger at 9.3 percent for Mesa County. May collections reflect April sales. Use […]
Colorado ski resorts that belong to a trade group reported a slight decline in business that corresponded with less snowfall early in the season. But the latest total for skier visits still tops the five-year average. “These end of season numbers are impressive when looking back over the entire season,” said Melanie Mills, president and […]
The natural gas and oil industry not only creates jobs and generates tax revenues in Colorado, but also has played a role in lowering energy costs as well as emissions from power plants, according to a report from an energy industry trade group. “Colorado’s development of natural gas and oil provides very real economic opportunity, […]
Decreasing natural gas prices and the increasing availability of wind energy have affected the coal industry more than regulation, according to a new economic analysis by researchers from the University of Colorado at Boulder and North Carolina State University. Daniel Kaffine, an associate professor in economics at CU who helped write the analysis, looked at […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has climbed to its second highest level on more upbeat expectations for improving sales and economic conditions. The National Federation of Independent Business reported its Small Business Optimism Index rose three points to 107.8 in May. The reading is the second highest in the 45-year history […]
An entrepreneurial couple have opened a cable wakeboarding park in Fruita, adding to the attractions drawing outdoor recreation enthusiasts to the Grand Valley. Victor and Kodi Imondi opened Imondi Wake Zone at 1583 Cipolla Road, located just south of U.S. Highway 50 and 16 Road. The attraction uses cable systems to tow people on wakeboards […]
A bicycle rack manufacturer plans to relocate its headquarters from Boulder to a business park under development in Grand Junction. RockyMounts plans to move into new facilities near the Riverfront at Las Colonias Park, the Grand Junction Economic Partnership announced during an economic summit. Robin Brown, executive director of GJEP, said RockyMounts joins other companies […]
A monthly measure of consumer confidence continues to increase on more upbeat assessments of business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index rose 2.4 points to 128 for May. A measure of current conditions climbed 4.2 points to 161.7, the highest reading since March 2001. A measure of expectations increased […]
Seldom have there been heard fewer discouraging words about business and labor conditions in Mesa County. Growing gains come with growing pains — chief among them a tighter labor market that makes it more difficult for businesses to hire employees as well as higher housing costs. Overall, though, the news couldn’t be much better — […]
To the editor: Your article about the study conducted by Colorado Mesa University for the BLM reinforced what Westerners experience every day: We utilize and enjoy our public lands to such an extent that they improve our quality of life. The study is a timely reminder because right now there is an all-out attack on […]