Business owners and managers realize that having difficult conversations with employees sometimes comes with the job. So owners and managers attend training and listen to webinars that outline what difficult conversations sound like. They gain an understanding of what’s expected and plan on how they’re finally going to talk to “that” employee. Only the conversation […]
A monthly measure of consumer confidence advanced in August on more optimistic expectations for improving business and labor conditions. Consumers remain less upbeat about present conditions, though, especially employment. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index rose 2.5 points to 53.5. The gain erases some of the declines over the past two months. […]
TheHill.com recently reported that House Democrats are focusing on the party’s small business agenda as a way to regain ground among voters. But considering the policies that a Democratic White House and Democrat-led Congress have been pushing for the past 20 months, is that really a smart strategy? Consider, for example, federal spending and taxes. […]
The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County held steady in July with only slight changes in the overall work force and the number of those counted as unsuccessfully looking for jobs. According to the latest estimates from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), the unadjusted jobless rate remained unchanged at 9.5 percent. That […]
Exports of agricultural products from Colorado continue to grow with increased shipments of beef leading the way. The value of agricultural exports from the state totaled $508.9 million through the first half of 2010, a 27 percent increase over the same span last year, according to statistics reported by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. For […]
A Western Colorado mountain bike organization is among the finalists for a $250,000 grant to help fund the construction of three bike parks. Online voting to determine the winner in the Pepsi Refresh America campaign will continue through Aug. 31 at the Web site located at www.refresheverything.com/bikeparks. It’s also possible to vote by cell phone by […]
A workshop on agritourism is scheduled for Sept. 11 in Grand Junction. The full-day workshop is planned for the Mesa County Fairgrounds. The registration fee is $25 per person, which includes lunch and resource materials. The registration deadline is Sept. 7. The workshop will feature sessions on liability, identifying markets, managing risk, community and regulatory […]
Construction is under way on an addition to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Grand Junction. The 31,000 square-foot surgical facility will be built on top of an existing two-story clinic and tie into the third floor of the seven-floor inpatient tower at the center. The $11 million project is scheduled for completion in July. […]
Last month the Census Bureau reported the number of minority owned businesses in the United States increased 46 percent from 2002 to 2007. That’s good news. These new businesses create jobs and drive economic growth across the country. However, this increase doesn’t mean our work at the U.S. Small Business Administration is done. This is […]
An upcoming presentation in Grand Junction will focus on military veterans in the work force. The Western Colorado Human Resource Association has scheduled the presentation for 11:30 a.m. Sept. 15 at Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main St. The event is open to the public, including business owners and managers, human resource professionals and office […]