Proposed state budget reflects increased revenues — and spending

A proposed budget for Colorado reflects increased tax revenues from a recovering economy as well as increased spending earmarked for everything from funding recovery efforts for wildfires and floods to boosting budget reserves to cutting average wait times at drivers license offices. The proposed budget also provides funding a new fugitive apprehension unit at the […]

National volume third highest ever for SBA programs

Business financing under two programs backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration decreased nationally during the 2013 fiscal year, but still ranked as the third highest amount in the history of the programs. The SBA announced that it guaranteed a total of 54,106 loans worth a collective $29.6 billion through its 7 (a) and 504 […]

Bray Real Estate names new president

Lynn Thompson has been promoted to president of Bray Real Estate in Grand Junction. Thompson joined the firm as controller in 1987 and in 2000 became a principal in the company. He was named chief financial officer in 2002 and chief operating officer in 2008. “I have enjoyed working with such a strong company that […]

Colorado business index slumps to four-year low

A monthly index tracking business conditions in Colorado has slumped to its lowest level in more than four years as slowing in exports and the effects of a federal government shutdown more than offset increasing construction activity. The Business Conditions Index fell more than seven points in October and at 44.9 no longer forecasts growth […]

Government shutdown dampens consumer confidence

A monthly measure of consumer confidence has dropped sharply after a 16-day federal government shutdown dampened the outlook for business and labor conditions. The Consumer Confidence Index dropped nine points to 71.2 in October on less upbeat assessments of current conditions as well as short-term expectations. “Consumer confidence deteriorated considerably as the federal government shutdown […]

Worker’s comp premiums to rise in 2014

Worker’s compensation insurance premiums continue to rise in Colorado, but at a slower pace. The Colorado Division of Insurance announced that the “loss costs” component of workers’ compensation insurance premiums will increase 2.6 percent for 2014, half the 5.2 percent hike for 2013. The 2014 increase will mark the fourth straight year of higher loss […]

Company honors best-selling agents

Meighan Marquis and Fred Burmeister were honored as the best-selling agents for September at Heiden Homes Realty and Associates in Grand Junction. Maquis posted the highest sales dollar volume during the month, while Burmeister posted the most new listings. Marquis joined Heiden Homes in 2011 after working as a real estate agent in California, where […]

Three from real estate firm learn attend summit

Robert Bray, Britta Essman and Rick Harper from Bray Real Estate in Grand Junction attended a PEMCO summit in Denver offering information about upcoming changes in the process in which the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development sells foreclosed homes. PEMCO serves as an asset manager for HUD. “I think the upcoming changes will […]

Rheumatologist, plant manager join Family Health West

Dr. Jessica Baer Mears has joined the Arthritis Center of Western Colorado in Fruita, a service of Family Health West treating complex rheumatological diseases and conditions. Gene Farnsworth has joined Family Health West as plant operations manager. “The Arthritis Center of Western Colorado is already booked out months in advance. We are thrilled to have […]