A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has posted its largest gain in more than a year on more upbeat expectations for the economy as well as earnings and hiring. “Owners are aggressively moving forward with their business plans, proving that when they’re given relief from the government, they put their money where […]
U.S. payrolls swelled in November and the unemployment rate edged down to its lowest level in 50 years. Nonfarm payrolls increased 266,000 and the jobless rate slipped a tenth of a point to 3.5 percent, according to the latest Labor Department estimates. The initial estimate for payroll gains in October was revised upward 28,000 to […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Lower inventories and higher prices continue to slow residential real estate activity in Mesa County. But large transactions bolster the commercial market. While the number of overall transactions so far in 2019 still lags 2018, the dollar volume of those deals outpaces last year. For November, 424 real estate transactions worth […]
A Grand Junction-based defense contractor has agreed to pay more than $1 million to resolve allegations it defrauded the Army in supplying grenade launchers that didn’t meet contract specifications, a United States attorney announced. Capco agreed to pay $1,025,429. While entering into the settlement, the company didn’t admit to any liability or wrongdoing. “We entrust […]
A small business advocacy group opposes new overtime rules proposed by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. Tony Gagliardi, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business in Colorado, compared the plan to “handing the cockpit of a smoothly running aircraft over to circus animals.” “Nothing good can come of it,” he said. […]
A Grand Junction-based community bank is among the winners of inaugural awards recognizing their efforts to offer exceptional work experiences to employees. Timberline Bank was among five banks to receive Best Community Banks to Work For awards from the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), a national trade association. The winners were selected on the […]
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has unveiled a plan to promote economic development in rural areas of the state. The rural economic blueprint proposes efforts to leverage such assets as agricultural operations, outdoor recreation opportunities and tourism attractions. The blueprint also proposes efforts to expand access to broadband services and repair roads and bridges. “We are […]
Previously separate facilities in Grand Junction offering places to start and operate businesses have merged at one location under an effort expected to further foster entrepreneurship. The Factory, a Proximity space, has relocated its coworking operation to the Maverick Innovation Center on the Colorado Mesa University campus. “Students might call it collaboration, the private sector […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Meg Marakis enjoys nothing so much as helping her customers feel better about their appearance and, in turn, more confident. “I just love making people feel good about themselves,” Marakis said. But Marakis said a new service she provides at her Grand Junction business takes the experience to a whole […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Add another piece to the proverbial jigsaw puzzle under assembly at a popular outdoor recreation area in Grand Junction. With the purchase of a 16-acre parcel dubbed the Jurassic Flats, the Colorado West Land Trust has preserved more open space along a corridor that offers biking and hiking along with […]