Health reform offers benefits to small businesses

For decades, America’s small business owners have asked for more affordable health insurance coverage and more tax relief. The new health reform law — the Affordable Care Act — provides both. First, the law offers tax credits for small employers who pay at least half of their employees’ health insurance premiums. Starting this year, businesses […]

Colorado business leaders upbeat about third quarter

A quarterly index tracking confidence among Colorado business leaders has climbed to its highest level in three years on more upbeat expectations for the state economy. The Leeds Business Confidence Index rose to 54.8 for the third quarter of 2010. That’s up from 51.7 for the second quarter and the highest level since the second […]

Consumer confidence drops as concerns mount

A monthly measure of consumer confidence has declined for a second straight month as concerns mount over business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) fell 3.9 points in July to 50.4. With losses in June and July, the index has dropped a total of more than 12 points […]

Hospice earns national recognition for programs

Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado has been named a Circle of Life Award Honoree in an annual awards program that recognizes organizations across the United States that have made great strides in palliative and end-of-life care. The Grand Junction-based hospice was one of eight organizations in the country honored by the program conducted […]

Business group disputes health reform estimates

Fewer small businesses will be eligible for tax credits to help pay for health care insurance than some estimates project, according to a small business advocacy group. “Supporters claim 4 million small businesses are eligible for the temporary credit, but the fact is less than 2 million small businesses will receive it,” said Bill Rys, […]

Real estate outlook: Market has hit bottom

Annette Miller believes the real estate market in Mesa County has hit bottom, but a substantial rebound depends on improving labor conditions. Miller, senior vice president of Heritage Title Co. in Grand Junction, monitors the real estate market in the county and said sales continue to track ahead of last year. That’s an indication the […]

Aircraft manufacturer to open Montrose facility

An international aircraft manufacturer expects to soon open a new facility in Montrose and employ more than 200 people within three to five years. Extra Aircraft plans to open its U.S. headquarters and an aircraft production center at a proposed site in the Aerospace Research park adjacent to 21 Creative Place. The German-based company manufacturers […]

Club 20 seeks to overturn Vermillion Basin decision

A coalition of Western Colorado businesses, government entities and individuals has called on federal officials to reconsider a decision to close the Vermillion Basin to oil and natural gas development. Club 20 has urged Bob Abbey, director of the Bureau of Land Management, to support a collaborative management plan that would allow limited energy development […]

$2.5 million grant to fund weatherization services

A nonprofit corporation based in Grand Junction has received a grant of more than $2.5 million to provide free weatherization services to low-income families across Western Colorado. Housing Resources also received a grant of more than $250,000 to rehabilitate two of its rental properties. “We are thrilled to receive these grants,” said Katie Wilson, a […]