Leading index offers a sign: Continued growth ahead

An index forecasting economic performance in the United States has increased on more upbeat expectations for improving conditions, a sign growth likely will continue. The Conference Board Leading Economic Index rose a half a percent to 124.6 in December even as separate measures of current and past conditions also increased. The indexes suggest growth will […]

Insurer joins in apprenticeship program

A health insurance company has joined in efforts to offer youth apprenticeships in Mesa County. UnitedHealthcare has announced plans to fund a program manager position for the next two years in Mesa County to promote and manage apprenticeships offered through CareerWise Colorado. “Grand Junction is an innovative and motivated community that sees the power of […]

Hiring? Workforce center offers help with that

Recruiting quality candidates, selecting the right person and training new hires is such a time consuming and costly process. It’s a part of running a business that owners and managers have to go through, although hopefully not too often. Fortunately, the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction offers services to help businesses save time […]

The game’s afoot: Firm finds niche in competitive environment

The game’s afoot: Firm finds niche in competitive environment

Phil Castle, The Business Times Robert and Stephen Madsen live the dream of avid game developers in creating their own products and bringing them to market. But the father-and-son team also take a practical approach to their Grand Junction studio and have remained in business by providing services to clients to help them create games as […]

Grand Valley sales tax collections lag in 2016

Phil Castle, The Business Times With continued declines in December, sales tax collections lagged in the Grand Valley during 2016. There were some anomalies in the latest monthly figures, though, and local officials say they’re hopeful collections will increase in 2017. “We feel like we’ve found the bottom,” said Jodi Romero, financial operations director for […]

Downtown projects to add housing and commercial space

Phil Castle, The Business Times Proposed redevelopment projects are expected to bring more housing and commercial space to downtown Grand Junction. Projects planned for the former White Hall and R-5 High School sites constitute a good fit for what’s needed downtown, said Brandon Stam, director of the Downtown Development Authority. The DDA, which owns the […]

Economist foresees gains and pains for Colorado

Phil Castle, The Business Times Mark Vitner jokes the growing gains and pains in Colorado could be compared to the popular restaurant described in the contradictory quote attributed to baseball great Yogi Berra. “Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.” Even as economic growth accelerates in Colorado in 2017, tightening labor and housing markets and thickening […]

Yoga studio combines ancient practices with modern technology

Phil Castle, The Business Times Linda Toth combines ancient practices and modern technology in her yoga studio in Grand Junction. Along with classes that promote physical and mental well-being through postures and breathing techniques, Half Moon Yoga uses an infrared heating system Toth said offers additional health benefits. The result, she said, is a place […]

GJEP board supports city projects and tax hike

The board that oversees an economic development organization in Grand Junction supports a plan to construct a downtown events center and renovate the nearby convention center. The Grand Junction Economic Partnership board of directors voted to support the City of Grand Junction in its efforts to build the center, including a ballot measure asking voters […]