U.S. payrolls grew by an estimated 54,000 in May, a meager gain compared to an average increase of 220,000 over the previous three months. The national unemployment rate edged up a tenth to 9.1 percent. According to the latest Labor Department estimates, nonfarm payrolls were little changed with a net increase of 54,000 jobs. Initial […]
A monthly index tracking business conditions in Colorado has rebounded to its highest level in nearly a year on continued growth in the energy sector and exports. The Business Conditions Index jumped more than nine points in May to 62.9. That’s the highest reading since the index stood at 68.4 in June 2010. The index […]
A monthly index tracking conditions for small businesses in Colorado has retreated even as job growth in the state slows. Low financing costs are likely to continue, though, and benefit Colorado businesses, said Jeff Thredgold, an economist who calculates the Vectra Bank Colorado Small Business Index (SBI). “Despite high levels of political uncertainty, European politics […]
Colorado set records for overall visitors, overnight visitation and visitor spending in 2010, according to the latest results of research commissioned by the Colorado Tourism Office. With a slower than anticipated post-recession recovery nationwide, Colorado bucked several national trends, according to Longwoods International: Colorado remained the country’s top-ranked ski destination, with a 20 percent share […]
Exports of agricultural products from Colorado remain well ahead of last year with increases in the exports of meat, dairy and baking-related products. “Colorado’s farmers, ranchers and food processors are helping Colorado return to a strong, diverse economy,” said John Salazar, the state agriculture commissioner. “I am confident that our continued focus on expanding exports […]
It’s official: Come August, Mesa State College becomes Colorado Mesa University. Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed into law legislation granting Mesa State College university status and changing its name to Colorado Mesa University effective Aug. 10. “This is the moment when the transition happens,” Hickenlooper said at a signing ceremony at the College Center. “It […]
A new hotel has opened in downtown Grand Junction. The SpringHill Suites by Marriott adds a third property and 100 more rooms to the accommodations owned and operated by Kevin and Steve Reimer. The Reimers also operate Main Street Suites and the Hampton Inn. Brian King, senior vice president of select service and extended stay […]
While Mesa County continues to experience one of the highest property foreclosure rates among metropolitan counties in Colorado, foreclosure activity dropped in May over levels reported last year. Foreclosure filings fell more than 4 percent in May compared to the same month last year. Foreclosure sales dropped nearly 37 percent. In addition, filings and sales […]
Do you remember what prompted you to go into business for yourself? Have you stayed true to that initial vision? Do you even have a vision for your business? Challenging economic times require a clearly defined company vision and a well thought out strategy to achieve that vision. Successful business owners and executives understand that […]
Although I’m relatively new to the U.S. Small Business Administration, I’m not new to the issues facing small businesses. I operated a family owned office furniture store in Fargo, N.D., for more than 30 years. While the business survived the recession, it continues to face many challenges, including access to capital. The recent economic downturn […]