An index forecasting economic condtions in the United States continues to increase, signaling growth in the second half of the year. The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index rose three-tenths of a percent to 128.3 in July. Separate measures of current and past economic performance also increased. “The U.S. LEI improved in July, suggesting […]
A measure of hotel and motel stays in continues to reflect increasing business for the hospitality sector in Grand Junction. Lodging tax collections totaled $185,200 in July. That’s an increase of $6,133 and 3.4 percent over what was collected for the same month last year. July collections reflect hotel and motel stays in June. So […]
Colorado is the easiest state in which to conduct Internet business, according to the results of a new analysis by a trade association. Colorado ranks first overall in the Ease of Doing Internet Business Index compiled by the Internet Association. Modeled after the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index, the Internet Association analysis takes […]
Arts and cultural organizations and their events contribute a total of $17.3 million a year to the Grand Junction economy, according to the latest analysis of the sector. In the process, arts and culture supports the equivalent of 512 full-time jobs, creates $12.9 million in household income and generates $1.4 million in local and state […]
Outdoor recreation generates $28 billion in consumer spending a year and supports 229,000 jobs in Colorado, according to an analysis by a trade association for the outdoor industry. Outdoor recreation also generates $9.7 million in wages and salaries as well as $2 billion in state and local tax revenue each year in Colorado, according to […]
Community Hospital in Grand Junction has been designated as a bariatric center of excellence for meeting national standards for its surgical weight loss program and other services for patients suffering from severe obesity. Dr. Andrew Morse, director of metabolic and bariatric surgery, said the bariatric surgery center at Community Hospital has been accredited under the […]
A monthly measure of confidence among small business owners has rebounded on more upbeat expectations for the economy as well as sales and hiring. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.6 points to 105.2. “Strong consumer demand is boosting small business optimism,” said Juanita Duggan, president and […]
I know I’ve been writing about the history of health care and health insurance (with one, personal experience column) over the past several editions of the paper. First and foremost, I say health care and health insurance because they’re entirely different things, albeit related. Health care is what you go to the doctor for in […]
The privilege of telling stories about businesses and entrepreneurs is conveying information not only about the ventures themselves, but also the examples they set. This issue of the Business Times is no exception in featuring stories about businesses that illustrate the importance of adaptability, collaboration and meeting a need. The cover story offers an update […]
For more than two decades, the Internet has changed our lives. Minimal government interference allowed free market forces to work and drove investment and innovation. Then in 2015, the Barack Obama Administration decided the federal government should essentially seize control of the Internet by declaring it a public utility like electric or sewer services. In […]