Phil Castle, The Business Times Nathan Perry takes into account a lot of information in putting together his quarterly economic newsletters — everything from drilling permits to labor estimates to real estate sales to tax collections. In connecting all those data points, an encouraging picture emerges, Perry says. “I think as a whole, the news […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times The unemployment rate has retreated in Mesa County even as the labor force has grown to its largest level in four years. The two indicators headed in opposite directions bode well for improving conditions, said Curtis Englehart, director of the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction. “We’re excited to […]
Despite downturns in the stock market and residential construction, an index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to forecast growth through the coming year. The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index (LEI) rose six-tenths of a percent to 108.7 in February. Separate measures of current and past conditions also increased. “The U.S. […]
The Western Colorado Conservation Corps has received a grant for more than $111,000 to help fund cleanup and trail construction projects in the region. The WCCC, a program of Mesa County Partners, is among five youth organizations in Colorado that will receive AmeriCorps grants. The Colorado Youth Corps Association received $1.55 million to support programs […]
A film screening and two presentations are planned as part of an ethics lecture series at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction. Events are set for 6 p.m. March 19, 20 and 21 in the Meyer Ballroom in the University Center. The events are free and open to the public. The series is set to […]
Construction is underway at the Wine Country Inn in Palisade to expand the hotel ballroom and kitchen and add a new space for a restaurant. The Vineyard Ballroom is scheduled for completion by April 1, in time for the Wine Country Inn to host Edesia, an annual benefit event for the Marillac Clinic. The bigger […]
Applications will be accepted through June 1 for a program promoting economic development in rural areas of Colorado. Initiatives will involve everything from brand building and tourism to film production and the outdoor recreation industry. Grand Junction was among the communities selected to implement initiatives in 2017 under what’s billed as the Blueprint 2.0 program […]
The City of Grand Junction has awarded a total of nearly $464,000 to five organizations involved in economic development. Grand Junction Mayor Rick Taggart presented representatives from the organizations with checks during a March 7 city council meeting. The city awarded: $189,000 to the Grand Junction Economic Partnership for activities related to bringing companies and […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Tax collections reflect increasing sales in the Grand Valley and, in turn, an improving economy. “I think, overall, the economy seems to be doing better,” said Eleanor Thomas, budget manager for Mesa County. The county reported an 8.9 percent increase in sales and use tax collections in February compared to […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Collaboration and innovation have helped provide better health care at a lower cost, but challenges and complexities continue to effect transparency and especially affordability, local administrators say. Progress could come slow, said Steve ErkenBrach, president and chief executive officer of Rocky Mountain Health Plans. “This is not a light switch. […]