An index forecasting future economic performance in the United States has declined for the first time in seven months, a dip that reflects a recovery that’s yet to fully gain traction. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Index (LEI) slipped a tenth of a percent in April to 95.5. The index continues to […]
Economists have a pesky way of “buting” into what are otherwise encouraging forecasts. This trend or that statistic signals growth … BUT yet another trend or a different statistic could lead to slowing. Economists have no difficulty whatsoever in viewing the glass as both half full and half empty. Perhaps it’s a sign of these […]
A monthly index tracking labor trends continues to rise, projecting moderate job growth. The Conference Board reported that its Employment Trends Index climbed to 108.04 in April, up eight-tenths of a percent from March and 7.1 percent from this time last year. “The growth in the Employment Trends Index in recent months is signaling moderate […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has increased, but still only matches a level of more than a year ago. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Index of Small Business Optimism advanced two points in April to 94.5. With the gain, the index returns to a reading posted in […]
Nine students have earned diplomas as the first graduating class of a mechanical engineering degree program offered jointly by Colorado Mesa University and the University of Colorado. Students attend classes at CMU in Grand Junction. CMU faculty teach lower-division courses, while CU faculty teach upper-division courses. Graduates receive bachelor’s degrees from CU. A total of […]
Agricultural exports from Colorado continue to outpace last year, led by increases in the sale of meat and dairy products. The value of agricultural exports during the first two months of 2012 totalled $222 million, up $45 million from the same span last year. The 25 percent gain constituted the fourth year in a row […]
Signs have been installed to direct people along a route showcasing the fruit and wine-growing area around Palisade. A dedication for the Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway is scheduled for 2 p.m. May 11 at High Country Orchards & Vineyards and Colterris Winery, 3548 E 1/2 Road. The event will include tours through the orchards, […]
Colorado ranks among the top 10 states in the latest analysis of how tax systems affect small business and entrepreneurship. Colorado comes in at 10th in the 2012 Business Tax Index calculated by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, an advocacy, research and networking organization based in Washington, D.C. Colorado also ranked 10th in the […]
Orrin Thompson and Heidi Elder of Real Estate West in Grand Junction have earned the Accredited Buyer’s Representation designation. The Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council of the National Association of Realtors awards the designation to real estate professionals who complete courses in buyer representation and submit documentation verifying their experience. Thompson serves as coordinator of […]
Michelle Melgares has joined Cornerstone Mortgage Co. as a loan officer at the firm’s Fruita office. Melgares brings to her latest position more than a decade of experience in the lending industry. “Michelle has a great deal of experience in many aspects of the mortgage industry,” said Jim Hunter, senior vice president of Cornerstone Mortgage. […]