Outreach is good, but at arm’s length is better

Business Times’ panel of local professionals agrees that the best networking is face to face             At its core, a business network is a type of social network whose sole reason for existing is to assist business people and their places of business generate sales and activity. And with the […]

Who you associate with does matter

            The Grand Valley business community has multiple associations and networks where businesspeople can join together to promote their businesses, build relationships, assist one another through leads, share information and understand regulations and obstacles that affect their businesses.             “We switched from using the word ‘networking’ to ‘building business relationships’ […]

Service is at the heart of these networks

             The Grand Valley is truly blessed with three great service organizations with its Lions, Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs. And while networking is either forbidden, discouraged or not the purpose of these organizations, it is obvious to the members and others who know them that the relationships developed within the […]

Coffee with a side of…

             When it comes to networking in the Grand Valley, as it does across the country, the favorite spots for locals revolve around a cup of coffee. Perhaps the biggest problem the valley’s networkers face is in deciding where to meet, as our area boasts many great coffee houses—whose specialties […]

Social media: Getting down to business

Social media can be effective tool when properly managed and implemented             The trend that has become Social Networking can certainly help a business or owner increase the bottom line through the sharing of ideas, events, and interests with other like minded business people. But in many cases, this trend […]

Colorado business index dips, but forecasts growth

A monthly index tracking business conditions in Colorado slipped in January, but still reflects economic growth driven in large part by the energy sector. The Business Conditions Index retreated 2.1 points, but at 57.5 continues to forecast growth. “The state’s large energy sector is pushing the state economy forward even as the construction industry weighs […]

Consumers less upbeat at start of new year

After two months of gains to end 2011, a measure of consumer confidence begins the new year with a decline that reflects less upbeat assessments of business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) fell nearly four points to 61.1. The index advanced a total of almost 24 points […]

Chamber awards businesses and individuals for their contributions

The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has honored two companies, a married couple and long-time businessman for their economic and philanthropic contributions. The chamber selected West Star Aviation and Impact Promotions as its large and small business of the year, respectively. Jerome and Mary Gonzales were named citizens of the year. Denny Granum received […]

Colorado ranks 16th in state tax assessment

Colorado ranks 16th among the 50 states in the latest assessment of how taxes affect businesses. Colorado moved up one spot in the State Business Tax Climate Index for 2012 and continues to fare well overall for its comparatively low corporate, income and property tax rates. Compiled by the Tax Foundation — a nonprofit group […]