Sales tax collections, a key measure of retail activity, continue to increase on a year-over-year basis in Mesa County. The county collected nearly $4.6 million in January, an increase of almost $277,000 and 6.4 percent over the same month a year ago. January collections reflect sales in December and the traditional holiday shopping season. Mesa […]
Colorado Mesa University has received a federal grant for a program supporting students from two Grand Valley high schools. Students in ninth and 10th grades at Grand Junction and Central high schools can apply for the TRIO Upward Bound program for the 2023-24 academic year. Applicants must be between the ages of 13 and 19, […]
The executive director of a Grand Junction-based health care organization has accepted a new role as vice president of finance for St. Mary’s Medical Center. Ashley Thurow will assume financial oversight for the hospital while also leading efforts to expand value-based care for patients. An elongated transition period is expected to ensure Monument Health continues […]
A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to decline, signaling the risk of recession. The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index (LEI) declined three-tenths of a point to 110.3 in January. While separate measures of current and past conditions increased, the latest readings suggest an elevated risk of economic contraction. […]
A Grand Junction-based health care organization has joined in program to serve Medicare beneficiaries in Western Colorado. Under the Medicare shared savings program (MSSP), Monument Health will support Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries under a value-based care model. “This is an exciting day for Monument Health,” said Ashley Thurow, executive director of the clinically integrated network. “By […]
A measure of optimism among small business owners has increased, but continues to reflect challenges posed by inflation and staffing shortages. The National Federation of Independent Business reported its Small Business Optimism Index rose a half point to 90.3 in January. The index remains below its 49-year average of 98. “While inflation is starting to […]
Individual tickets will go on sale March 1 for an annual event addressing a range of issues related to economic development in Western Colorado. The Grand Junction Economic Partnership has scheduled the Western Colorado Economic Summit (WCES) for April 27 at Colorado Mesa University. Curtis Englehart, executive director of GJEP, said he’s excited about bringing […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Sarah Wood has discovered something in both working in and managing unique spaces for artists, nonprofit organizations and others. “If you build it, they will come,” says Wood, who manages the Fruita Arts Recreation Marketplace. That’s been the case in refurbishing and repurposing a downtown building that’s now home to […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times When Bryan Johnson looks over the additional space and automated equipment in the new laboratory at St. Mary’s Medical Center, he sees the potential for faster and more efficient testing that in turn will improve care and help lower costs. But the president of St. Mary’s also has another priority […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Jared Polis wonders what’s in store for Colorado as the 150th anniversary of its statehood approaches in 2026. “Who do we want to be when we turn 150 years old?” the Colorado governor asked. Polis said the answer will depend in part on some of the efforts he outlined in […]