Falling index signals U.S. recession

An index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to decline, signaling recession. The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Indicator fell 1 percent to 110.5 in December. Separate measures of current and past conditions increased, however. “There was widespread weakness among leading indicators in December, indicating deteriorating conditions for labor markets, manufacturing, housing […]

Mesa County jobless rate falls to three-year low

Phil Castle, Business Times The monthly unemployment rate has retreated to its lowest level in three years as Mesa County continues to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions. As efforts proceed to address labor shortages and bridge skill gaps, the outlook for 2023 remains heartening, said Lindsay Bullock, director of […]

Survey: Colorado business leaders shaken, not stirred

Phil Castle, Business Times Colorado business leaders remain more shaken than stirred heading into the new year, according to the latest results of a quarterly survey. It remains to be seen whether or not the economy officially will slip into recession, but any growth likely will come at a snail’s pace, said Rich Wobbekind, a […]

West Slope conference planned for the fun of it

Phil Castle, The Business Times Dusti Reimer helps organize an annual conference because she believes it’s important to bring professional development to Western Colorado. It’s essential, too, to offer information about new trends and techniques and foster connections among participants. But Reimer also stages the Initiate Conference for yet another reason — for the fun […]

Resilience program offers help to those who help others

Phil Castle, The Business Times Sydney Elks relishes the opportunity to help those who help others — among them health care providers, social workers and law enforcement officers who sometimes struggle to cope with the stress they endure. Moreover, the benefits of teaching those Elks considers the best and brightest to develop resilience extends to […]

Wind turbine company approved for tax incentives

A business that opened a Grand Junction location as part of a global operation to supply parts and repair services for wind turbines has been approved to participate in a tax incentive program. The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved Spares in Motion to participate in the Rural Jump-Start Program. The program offers participating companies tax […]

Grand Valley Power joins in effort to recoup charges

Grand Valley Power has joined with three other electric cooperatives in efforts to recover at least $6.9 million Xcel Energy charged them in 2021. “We have serious concerns that a substantial portion of Xcel’s fuel costs were entirely avoidable,” said Tom Walch, chief executive officer of Grand Valley Power based in Grand Junction. “We feel […]

Grand Junction tax collections trend upward

Sales tax collections, a key measure of retail activity, continue to increase on a year-over-year basis in Grand Junction. Use and lodging tax collections also increased in November compared to the same month last year, the City of Grand Junction reported. November reports reflect October sales. The city collected more than $5 million in sales […]