Colorado third among most improved states for retirees

Colorado ranks third in an analysis of the most improved states for retirees. Colorado moved up 30 spots from 33rd to third in the analysis, which takes into account the span between 2019 and 2023. “Over the last five years, we’ve witnessed a substantial shift in the retirement landscape across the United States,” said Barry […]

Sunny forecast: Tourism director expects busy season

Sunny forecast: Tourism director expects busy season

Phil Castle, The Business Times In astronomical terms, summer officially started in the Northern Hemisphere with the solstice on June 21. But the summer tourism season started in the Grand Valley well before that. Before the Memorial Day holiday weekend in May even. Elizabeth Fogarty, director of Visit Grand Junction and the city’s destination marketing […]

Mesa County jobless rate edges up

Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment rate has edged up in Mesa County, but remains at a low level that reflects a stable, albeit tight, labor market. “It looks like it’s staying  pretty consistent here,” said Lindsay Bullock, director of the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction. The seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate […]

Small business index rises, but still reflects concerns

A monthly measure of confidence among small business owners edged up, but still reflects concerns. The National Federation of Independent Business reported its Small Business Optimism Index rose four-tenths of a point in May. But at 89.4, the index remained below its historical average of 98 for a 17th consecutive month. “Overall, small business owners […]

Government officials assess state of the valley

Phil Castle, The Business Times Comprehensive planning and significant investments in infrastructure will pay off in promoting economic development in the Grand Valley, local government officials say. Challenges persist, though, among them the availability of affordable housing. And imposing a heavier state regulatory burden to usurp local controls won’t help. “That one size fits all […]

NFIB state director gives Legislature D for efforts

Phil Castle, The Business Times If Tony Gagliardi were to assign a letter grade to the latest session of the Colorado Legislature, it would be a D. His marks would be even lower for the partisanship he said has replaced statesmanship. “There’s no respect left,” said Gagliardi, state director of the National Federation of Independent […]

Commissioners vow to address taxing matters

Mesa County commissioners have vowed to work with local entities to ease property taxes in the midst of rising home prices. “Forty-four taxing entities in Mesa County have the ability to reduce their mill levies and help aid in the reduction of taxes owed. We will be coordinating with all of them and encouraging them […]

Grand Valley Power to switch supplier

An electric cooperative serving Mesa County has announced an agreement to purchase power from a Denver-based supplier. Grand Valley Power selected Guzman Energy to provide electricity under a 15-year agreement scheduled to begin June 1, 2028. Until then, Grand Valley Power will continue to purchase electricity from Xcel Energy. “After navigating several years of volatile […]