Consumer Confidence Index soars

A monthly measure of consumer confidence has soared to its highest level since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic on more upbeat assessments of business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index jumped 19.3 points to 109.7 in March and the highest reading in a year. “Consumers’ assessments of current conditions […]

Proposals sought for regional entrepreneurial event

Organizers are looking for ideas for an annual event promoting entrepreneurial endeavors in Western Colorado. Proposals for panels, workshops, tours and other events at the Techstars Startup Week West Slope will be accepted through April 23. Proposals should be submitted using an online available through the website at https://westslopestartupweek.com. An organizing team will make selections […]

Mesa County jobless rate retreats

Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment rate has retreated in Mesa County, but remains nearly double the jobless rate before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic a year ago. As seasonal hiring warms up along with the weather, more COVID-19 vaccinations are administered and pandemic restrictions ease, local labor conditions will improve, said […]

Cybersecurity firm relocates to Grand Valley

Phil Castle, The Business Times Rob Eggebrecht sees in the Grand Valley the scenic vistas and outdoor recreational opportunities of what he considers the genuine Colorado. Eggebrecht also sees a good location in which to develop a global cybersecurity company that ultimately could employ 200 to 300 people. “There’s tremendous opportunity here,” said Eggebrecht, co-founder […]

Legislation introduced to keep BLM headquarters in Grand Junction

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management would maintain its headquarters in Grand Junction under legislation proposed by a Western Colorado congresswoman. U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert introduced the Local Opportunities, Conservation and American Lands Act. The legislation keeps the BLM headquarters in Grand Junction as well as BLM employees in western states. “Westerners deserve a voice […]

Latino chamber opens office on CMU campus

The Western Colorado Latino Chamber of Commerce has relocated its office to the Colorado Mesa State University campus in Grand Junction in a collaborative effort intended to help entrepreneurs and students. “Statistically, Latinx students and or business owners are more likely to have first-generation status than the rest of the population. This is where we […]

Grand funds added staff for land trust

The Colorado West Land Trust based in Grand Junction will add staff to its expanding Western Colorado operations thanks to a nearly $134,000 grant. The Great Outdoors Colorado board awarded a $133,700 grant to the land trust as part of a program to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ron Bleiberg, the executive director of the […]

SBA administrator confirmed

A woman who’s worked in the public and private sector to help small businesses has returned to the U.S. Small Business Administration as the new administrator. The U.S. Senate confirmed Isabella Casillas Guzman’s nomination to the post. “I am excited to return to the SBA and serve as the voice of small business in the […]

Bidding under way for tasteful fund-raiser

Bidding will remain open through midnight March 31 for table dinners planned as part of the annual Edesia fund-raiser. Chef’s table dinners are scheduled for 6 p.m. April 11, 18 and 25 at the Wine Country Inn, 777 Grande River Drive in Palisade. The dinners will be limited to up to 10 guests in each […]