Real estate moving to “normalcy in the market”

A fter nearly a decade of growth in the Mesa County real estate activity, Robert Bray foresees a more moderate pace ahead. “I would suggest we’re moving to a normalcy in the market,” said Bray, the chief executive officer of Bray Real Estate in Grand Junction. Bray shared his outlook during an economic forecast forum […]

Mesa County economic forecast: Growing, but slowing

Phil Castle, The Business Times Nathan Perry expects growth to continue in Mesa County in 2020, but at what could be a slower pace. Employment, population and gross domestic product should trend further upward, although the effects of a downturn in energy development also will be felt, said Perry, an associate professor of economics at […]

Colorado business openings slow, but growth expected

The pace of business openings in Colorado as measured by filings with the state government has slowed, although other indicators continue to signal economic growth. “The slowing growth in new entity filings is consistent with slower growth observed in both firms and employment in the state,” said Richard Wobbekind, executive director of the business research […]

Small Business Optimism Index rises

A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has climbed to one of its highest levels on more upbeat expectations for sales and earnings. “2020 is off to an explosive start for the small business economy, with owners expecting increased sales, earnings and higher wages for employees,” said William Dunkelberg, chief economist of the […]

New year begins with payroll gains

A new year has begun with payroll gains across a range of industry sectors. Nonfarm payrolls increased 225,000, and the unemployment rate edged up a tenth of a point to 3.6 percent in January, according to the latest Labor Department estimates. The initial estimate for payroll gains in December was revised upward 2,000 to 147,000. […]

HomeGoods store coming to Mesa Mall

A home furnishing and decorating retailer will open a store in Mesa Mall in Grand Junction. Washington Prime Group, a real estate investment trust that owns Mesa Mall, announced HomeGoods will open in a space previously used by Sports Authority. Other store openings in the mall are expected in 2020, Washington Prime Group announced in […]

Firm focuses on pet projects

Firm focuses on pet projects

Phil Castle, The Business Times Teija Heikkila brings a lot of expertise to her efforts to help clients sell their pet care businesses. But what clients often appreciate the most, she says, is her familiarity not only with the business aspects of the transactions, but also the emotional ones. After long operating a dog boarding […]

Economic study: Airport contribution nears $711 million

Phil Castle, The Business Times The Grand Junction Regional Airport contributed nearly $711 million to the Colorado economy in 2018, according to the latest results of a statewide study. The contribution nearly doubled from the $380 million contribution in  2012, the biggest gain of any airport in Western Colorado. The contribution likely will climb even […]

2020 begins with gains in real estate sales

Phil Castle, The Business Times Real estate activity in Mesa County is off to what observers consider a promising start in 2020 with year-over-year increases in transactions and dollar volume. “To start into 2020 with these gains is good,” said Annette Miller, senior vice president of Heritage Title Co. in Grand Junction. Robert Bray, chief […]