Phil Castle, The Business Times Tax collections continue to increase in the Grand Valley on higher sales of automobiles and other goods. Officials say the trend bodes well not only for an important source of government revenue, but also a key economic indicator. “I think it continues to show that our economy is improving,” said […]
A monthly measure of confidence among small business owners has increased on more upbeat expectations for sales, expansion and hiring. The National Federation of Independent Business reported its Small Business Optimism Index rose eight-tenths of a point to 103.8 in October. “Owners became much more positive about the economic environment last month, which suggests a […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Preliminary agreements to purchase liquefied natural gas bode well for the permitting and construction of an export terminal and pipeline that could connect Western Colorado supplies with Asian markets. “Opening up the Rockies for even a portion of those contracts is a huge deal,” said Michael Hinrichs, director of communications […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Debbie Kovalik has devoted nearly 30 years to enticing visitors to the Grand Valley while also bringing respect to an industry she considers a vital component of a healthy and diversified economy. Looking back on her tenure as the first and only executive director of Visit Grand Junction, Kovalik considers […]
Debbie Kovalik believes the tourism industry doesn’t always receive the credit the sector deserves for its economic contributions. “It’s like the Rodney Dangerfield of the economy. It gets no respect.” There’s a growing appreciation in the Grand Valley, though, for the tourism industry and its role in strengthening and diversifying the economy, says Kovalik, the […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times It’s not so much a question for Rob Bleiberg of whether or not growth will come to Western Colorado, but when and how much. It’s also question, Bleiberg believes, of accommodating growth while protecting the very things that attract people to the region — scenic beauty, wildlife and outdoor recreation. […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Rules, policies and training all promote ethical business practices. Then there’s what John Elmore describes as the grandmother test. Would employees be comfortable treating their grandmothers the same way they treat customers in selling them products and services? If the answer’s yes, chances are good employees are acting in an […]
Mike Nordine has been appointed interim chief of police in Grand Junction. Nordine, who serves as deputy chief of the department, will take over following the departure of John Camper on Dec. 1 to become director of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead the Grand Junction Police Department,” […]
A grant will fund further investigation into a pest infestation that can damage vineyards. Colorado State University received a grant for $57,078 to investigate the prevalence of the Phylloxera louse in Colorado vineyards and recommend best management practices to limit the infestation. The grant is among 12 worth a total of more than $600,000 awarded […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times It’s no longer a question of if 2017 will be a better year for the Mesa County real estate market than 2016, but how much better. Meanwhile, a new question arises: What about 2018? “There’s no reason next year won’t also be a good year,” said Robert Bray, chief executive […]