Economic indicators: so far, so good

The new year brings more good economic news in the Grand Valley in the form of increasing sales tax collections and real estate activity. The City of Grand Junction and Mesa County both reported year-over-year gains in January sales tax collections based on December sales. The latest numbers are doubly important not only in quantifying […]

Center makes space for innovative efforts

The Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction is deservedly famous for the resources offered there to entrepreneurs: low-cost space, counseling and even financing. Add to that entrepreneurial cornucopia the GJ Makerspace, a place where entrepreneurs, engineers and other inventive people can develop and test their ideas and, eventually, turn them into new businesses. The GJ […]

Confidence index retreats on less upbeat outlook

A monthly measure of consumer confidence has dropped on less upbeat readings for business and labor conditions, but also reflects expectations the United States economy will continue to grow. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index retreated more than seven points to 96.4 in February. The drop nearly erased a gain in January […]

Grand Junction ranks among top retirement hot spots

Grand Junction ranks among the best places to retire nationally and in the state in separate evaluations that took into account the cost of living and available amenities. Grand Junction was among 10 cities highlighted in the results of an analysis of affordable retirement locations conducted for Kiplinger magazine. Grand Junction also ranked 10th in […]

Health care organization renames Fruita nursing home

A health care organization has changed the name of its Fruita nursing home to reflect changes in the operation, but also a continued commitment to services. Family Health West has changed the name of the facility to Courtyard Care Center. Mark Francis, chief executive officer of Family Health West, said the operations of the organization […]

Applicants sought for Washington conference

Applications will be accepted through March 12 for an annual conference offering 100 Colorado residents an opportunity to learn more about the people and processes that go into federal policy making. The 2015 Colorado Capital Conference is scheduled for June 3 to 5 in Washington, D.C., and will include meetings with members of Congress and […]

Fairgrounds arena opens, county facility sold

A second arena has opened at the Mesa County Fairgounds in Grand Junction. Meanwhile, another county facility in downtown Grand Junction has been sold. The new arena offers nearly 36,000 square feet of covered space as well as a show office, restrooms and 22 parking spaces for recreational vehicles. The arena was constructed at a […]

Leading index forecasts growth, but also risk

A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to rise, but at a slower pace that  could signal less growth in the months ahead. The Conference Board reported that its Leading  Economic Indicator edged up two-tenths of a percent to 121.1. Separate indexes tracking current and past economic performance also increased. Considered […]

Lodging tax collections trend upward

A monthly measure of hotel and motel stays in Grand Junction continues to trend upward. According to the Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau report for January, $64,253 in lodging taxes were collected. That’s a 5.3 percent increase over the $61,014 in collections reported for the same month in 2014. Since lodging tax reports lag […]