The U.S. unemployment rate continues to fall even as payrolls increase. According to the latest Labor Department estimates, the national jobless rate fell to 8.9 percent in February, the lowest level since April 2009. At the same time, nonfarm payrolls increased 192,000, the largest monthly gain since June 2010. With declines in each of the […]
United Way of Mesa County fell short of its latest fund-raising goal, but still collected more than $1 million and involved more employees in workplace campaigns in the process. United Way announced at its 2010-2011 campaign celebration on Feb. 24 that it had raised $1,081,035. That total is about 90 percent of the $1.2 million […]
Jeff Franklin soon will become president of two Bank of Colorado branches in Grand Junction, suceeding Chris Launer, who’s retiring. Launer expects to retire effective March 31. His retirement will end a 38-year career in banking, 18 of that with Bank of Colorado. In addition to his role with the bank, Launer has served with […]
With President Barack Obama’s call for the small business community to focus on innovation and creativity to enhance U.S. competitiveness in the world economy, it’s time for entrepreneurs and small business owners to take up the challenge. Startup America is an initiative aimed at strengthening access for entrepreneurs and firms with high-growth potential to a […]
A monthly measure of consumer confidence has climbed to its highest level in three years on more optimistic expectations for business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) rose 5.6 points in February to 70.4. The index now stands at its highest level since hitting 76.4 in February 2008. […]
Two important Western Colorado organizations have new leaders. By all indications, well-qualified and thoughtful people have stepped into those roles. At St. Mary’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Michael McBride is well into a busy first year as the new president and chief executive officer. Meanwhile, Bonnie Petersen has just started as the new executive […]
A dramatic shift in rhetoric emanating from the Barack Obama White House occurred after the November elections. Before November, anti-business talk and policies reigned. Since the election, President Obama has worked to shift the administration’s tone towards business. As evident by the president’s budget proposal, though, political talk turns out, once again, to be quite […]
A research project is under way to quantify the economic effects of a business district along Horizon Drive in Grand Junction. “We want to understand both the composition and effects the Horizon Drive District has on the regional economy,” said Lynne Sorlye, general manager of the Clarion Inn and a director of the district board. […]
Registration is under way for an annual event that brings together small business owners and state policymakers in Colorado. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has scheduled its Small Business Day at the Capitol for March 10. The event is set for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Old Supreme Court Chambers in […]
Registration is under way for a workshop that will help Colorado farmers and ranchers determine whether or nor they could raise additional revenue through agritourism — activities that range from spending a week working cattle on a ranch to taking a farm tour. “Agritourism is a growing segment of the agriculture industry in Colorado and […]