Mesa County job fair set for March 21

The Mesa County Workforce Center has scheduled its Jump Start Job Fair for March 21. The annual event is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center, 512 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. The first 30 minutes of the fair will be open only to military veterans. A total of more than […]

Small Business Optimism Index slips, but still near high

An index tracking optimism among small business owners has slipped, but remains near its highest level. The National Federation of Indendent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index fell six-tenths of a point in February. But at 105.3, the index remains above 105 for a third straight month. “Although optimism remains high, growth is […]

Mesa County jobless rate spikes, but hiring activity picking up

Phil Castle, The Business Times While the Mesa County unemployment rate spiked again in January, increased hiring activity since then buoys the outlook for the coming year. “I’m still a little bit optimistic looking at our job orders,” said Curtis Englehart, director of the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction. According to the latest […]

U.S. payrolls grow 235,000 in February

Job growth accelerated in the United States in February with an estimated gain of 235,000 jobs spread out among a variety of industry sectors. The unemployment rate slipped a tenth to 4.7 percent, while hourly earnings continued to increase. According to the latest Labor Department report, nonfarm payrolls increased 235,000 in February. Initial estimates for […]

Subscription-based farm a growing venture

Subscription-based farm a growing venture

Phil Castle, The Business Times Mark Beckner wanted to find out whether or not he could develop a viable business out of a small farm. The answer, it appears, is yes. Taking advantage of both the growing demand for locally sourced foods and growing popularity of food delivery services, Beckner and his wife, Sara, have […]

Mesa County first Work Ready Community in state

Phil Castle, The Business Times Mesa County is home to the first Work Ready Community in Colorado, earning certification under a program streamlining the process of connecting businesses looking for employees and applicants looking for jobs. “It’s a really big deal,” said Curtis Englehart, director of the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction. The […]

What a gas: West Slope fuels manufacturing and maybe exporting

Phil Castle, The Business Times Natural gas production in Western Colorado fuels domestic manufacturing and also could play an important role in exporting, according to representatives from three companies who joined in a panel discussion in Grand Junction. G2X Energy and Nucor Corp. rely on natural gas reserves in the Piceance Basin to provide a […]