New videoconference system offers clear advantages

Mike Moran Business Times In 2010, it probably comes as no surprise that companies use video screens and Internet connections to replace face-to-face meetings with clients thousands of miles away. But at a time of quickly evolving technologies and rising consumer expectations, just any old videoconferencing system won’t suffice for every operation. “As far as trying […]

Good investment advice: While predictions vary, focus remains on individual goals and risk tolerance

Mike Moran Business Times The best news for investment firms in recent months might be the simple pronouncement the recession is over. At least that’s the word from the Business Cycle Dating Committee of the National Bureau of Economic Research, which declared the Great Recession ended in June 2009. For some investment analysts, the pronouncement […]

As health care reforms begin, so do questions

Mike Moran Business Times The day came and went without a lot of fanfare, but the long-term effects could be great. Meanwhile, business people in the Grand Valley continue to sift through the long-term implications of the first health care reform measures that kicked in Sept. 23. The changes include the allowance of dependent coverage […]

Real estate investors have cash, but also caution

Mike Moran Business Times “There are a whole lot of folks with a whole lot of cash, but they’re waiting for the market to bottom out.” And that sums up the potential for real estate investment in Mesa County, according to Dale Beede, a commercial real estate agent for Coldwell Banker Prime Properties in Grand […]

Workplace campaigns kickstart United Way fund-raising drive

United Way of Mesa County is well on  its way toward its latest goal with more than $466,000 raised through workplace campaigns. During a kickoff event for its 2010-11 drive, United Way announced that a total of 34 Pacesetter businesses and organizations raised a combined $466,122 in workplace campaigns conducted in August and September. That […]

GJEP website earns award from economic development group

Mike Moran Business Times The Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) expects to soon announce publicly that it’s won an international award recognizing its website at www.gjep.org. GJEP confirmed the International Economic Development Council was scheduled to issue a news release Sept. 29 The IEDC is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping economic developers, according to the […]

Taxing reports reflect ups and downs in Grand Valey

Mike Moran Business Times Sales, use and lodging tax collections in Grand Junction all increased in August  for a second straight month of year-over-year gains. The City of Fruita reported stronger increases, with a double-digit percentage increase in its July report. Mesa County reported another drop in year-to-year comparisons, although the percentage decline was the […]

Consumer confidence retreats on “grim” outlook

A monthly measure of consumer confidence has retreated nearly five points on what one official described as a “grim” outlook for the economy. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) dropped 4.7 points to 48.5 for September. Consumer assessments of present business and labor conditions as well as their expectations for the […]

Finding financing: Alternatives to traditional loans available

The recession has restricted the ability of many small businesses to obtain traditional bank financing. Until commercial lending loosens up, here are seven alternative ways small business owners can access capital to stabilize and grow their businesses: Sell a minority stake in the company: Large companies typically have numerous owners. Many large private companies go […]