A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners continues to decline on less upbeat expectations for sales, earnings and staffing. The National Federation of Independent Business reported its Small Business Optimism Index dropped 5.5 points to 90.9 in April. The index has decreased 13.6 points over the past two months in the aftermath of […]
A measure of sales has dropped in the Grand Valley as the effects of business closures and other restrictions imposed in response to the coronavirus pandemic begin to show up in government reports. The City of Grand Junction reported a 10.3 percent decrease in sales and use tax collections in April compared to the same […]
The unemployment rate has soared in the United States from one of its lowest levels to one of its highest as the coronavirus pandemic and associated restrictions triggered an unprecedented decline in payrolls. The jobless rate increased more than 10 points to 14.7 percent in April as nonfarm payrolls decreased 20.5 million, according to U.S. […]
Baby formula, diapers and wipes will be distributed in Grand Junction following a delivery of supplies from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Hilltop Family Resource Center worked with the Mesa County Department of Human Resources, Mesa County Public Health Childcare Licensing, Partnership for Children and Families and a statewide feeding task force to […]
The Western Colorado Human Resource Association has scheduled a virtual presentation on coaching and servant leadership. The Zoom webinar is set for 7:30 to 9 a.m. May 20. The event is free for WCHRA members, but guests pay $25. To register or obtain more information, visit www.wchra.org. Tim Haggerty, founder and chief executive officer of […]
A Western Colorado organization has been selected to run a program that helps businesses reduce diesel exhaust emissions by using newer equipment. Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER) based in Carbondale will administer the Colorado Clean Diesel Program. The program awards grants to businesses to defray the cost of upgrading or replacing diesel engines. […]
A fund has invested $1 million in an outdoor industry holding company expected to construct a new facility in Montrose. The Colorado Outdoors Pearl Fund announced the qualified opportunity zone (OZ) investment in Wedge Brands. Wedge Brands plans to invest an estimated $14 million into a 76,000-square-foot distribution and third-party logistics center on the Colorado […]
A national company has acquired a division of a medical equipment supplier in Grand Junction. National Seating & Mobility announced it acquired the complex rehabilitation technology division of Hartman Brothers Medical Equipment. Brian Severson, an assistive technology professional who leads the rehab team, will join National Seating & Mobility. Bill Mixon, chief executive officer of […]
A sixth-grader who launched a business to offer protective gear is the latest winner in an annual competition for young entrepreneurs. James Stucky, chief executive officer of Bulldog Protective Gear, was selected from among the students enrolled in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy who pitched their ventures to a panel of investors. Stucky received $2,000 in […]
A Grand Junction loan fund providing money to support companies responding to the coronavirus pandemic received $75,000 as part of a nearly $2 million donation by a workers’ compensation insurer. Pinnacol Assurance also announced additional measures to help employees and businesses. “We were built in Colorado for Colorado, and we’re grateful to be in a […]