U.S. labor update: Payrolls grow, jobless rate steady

Employment continued to grow in the United States in December, although at a slower pace to end the year. According to the latest Labor Department estimates, nonfarm payrolls increased 148,000. The unemployment rate remained unchanged for a third straight month at 4.1 percent, the lowest proportion since 2000. The initial estimate for payroll gains for […]

Index: Colorado business leaders more confident

Colorado business leaders are increasingly confident at the beginning of a new year, but base their outlook more on an improving national economy than conditions in the state. “We are really seeing businesses reacting more to the national picture in the survey than the state picture,” said Richard Wobbekind, executive director of the research division […]

Mesa County jobless rate rises

Phil Castle, The Business Times The unemployment rate continues to trend upward in Mesa County, but separate statistics reflect improving labor conditions. “Things are looking so much better overall,” said Celina Kirnberger, business services manager at the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction. According to the latest estimates from the Colorado Department of Labor […]

Leading index forecasts continued U.S. growth

An index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to signal growth in the new year. The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index rose four-tenths of a percent to 130.9 in November. Separate measures of current and past economic performance also increased. Ataman Ozyildirim, an economist with the Conference Board, said the Leading […]

Proposals sought for specialty crop grants

Proposals will be accepted through Feb. 1 for a grant program promoting the production of fruits, vegetables and other specialty crops. “This grant program provides a great opportunity to improve the economic well-being of Colorado specialty crop producers by investigating potential crops, fighting diseases and introducing innovative farming techniques,” said Glenda Mostek, a marketing specialist […]

Colorado gets $92 million in federal disbursements

Colorado received a total of more than $92 million in federal energy and mineral production disbursements, according to figures from the Interior Department for the 2017 fiscal year. The total constitutes an increase of more than $8 million from the previous fiscal year. The funds come from oil, natural gas and minerals extracted from federal […]

Mesa County Libraries buys land for branch location

Mesa County Libraries has completed the purchase of 5 acres along F Road in the Grand Valley for a future library branch location. The land, located at 3180 F Road, is expected to become the home of the Clifton branch library. “We know that the Clifton branch is undersized to adequately serve the population in […]

Grand Junction council adopts 2018 budget

The Grand Junction City Council has approved a budget for 2018 that includes increased spending for public safety, street work and economic development. The  overall 2018 city budget totals $161.1 million, an increase of 15 percent over the adopted budget for 2017. The general fund budget totals $70.1 million. The approval of the budget follows […]