Cattlemen’s association completes tour

An association representing ranchers and others working in the beef industry has completed a tour across Colorado to connect with members and others. “It was interesting to hear similarities and differences in obstacles facing ranchers and rural communities as we traveled throughout the state,” said Janie VanWinkle, a Fruita rancher who serves as president of […]

2020 job losses offset 2019 gains for Colorado clean energy sector

Employment in the clean energy industry continued to increase in Colorado in 2019, but dropped in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The long-term outlook remains bright, however, with the expectation state policies will promote renewable energy, clean vehicles and energy efficiency. “Clean energy’s economic potential to Colorado remains incredibly high as the […]

Group focuses on postvention efforts to address suicide

Phil Castle, The Business Times While suicide prevention is important, so is what happens after people attempt to harm themselves. To that end, a Grand Junction organization focuses on postvention. Support from businesses and individuals help sustain  advocacy, education and outreach efforts, said Erica Kitzman, secretary and treasurer of the Postvention Alliance. “They are helping us […]

Effects of oil and gas setbacks studied

Setbacks separating oil and natural gas operations from buildings and waterways have minimal effects on oil and gas availability at 1,500 feet. But the effects escalate as distances increase to 2,500 feet or more, according to a new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder and Colorado School of Mines. “The steep increase in […]

Oil and gas association opposes proposed setbacks

Phil Castle, The Business Times Proposed rules establishing a 2,000-foot setback for oil and natural gas development in Colorado would impose unnecessary restrictions that could hurt an important industry, according to a trade association opposed to the rules. Moreover, the changes come only two years after a ballot measure that would have imposed similar setbacks was […]

Building a bigger endeavor: New headquarters another milestone for West Slope bank

Building a bigger endeavor: New headquarters another milestone for West Slope bank

Phil Castle, The Business Times Jim Pedersen leads a tour through the newly constructed building that houses the headquarters of Timberline Bank in Grand Junction. Pedersen strolls through the expansive lobby and past the teller line. He climbs the stairs that lead up the three-story atrium and eventually steps onto a fourth-floor terrace commanding sweeping views […]

U.S. leading index increases, but still signals slowing

A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States has increased for a fourth consecutive month, but still signals slowing growth. The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index (LEI) rose 1.2 percent to 106.5 in August. The latest gain follows a 2 percent increase in July, 3 percent increase in June and 3.1 […]

Mesa County jobless rate declines

Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment rate decreased and labor force increased in Mesa County in August, diverging trends that reflect improving conditions. “Those are really good signs to see,” said Curtis Englehart, director of the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction. Englehart said he expects the jobless rate to continue to edge […]

Sugar & Ice and everything nice: Shop serves varied fare

Phil Castle, The Business Times It’s a coffee shop. It’s a frozen yogurt place. It’s a breakfast and lunch restaurant. It’s all of the above and more, according to Savannah Tompkins, who’s combined in one Grand Junction location two businesses that serve a variety of beverages and foods. It’s a merger born out of the necessity […]

The promise of cleantech: Coalition promotes growing industry

The promise of cleantech: Coalition promotes growing industry

Phil Castle, The Business Times Ken Scissors sees what he considers the conspicuous signs of a growing clean technology industry in the Grand Valley. There’s the increased use of solar energy and decreased costs of installations. There are the energy efficient residential and commercial developments that have been constructed or are planned. And there’s the […]