Supporting small businesses offers big payoffs

Addressing national issues might be beyond our individual control, but each of us can effect positive change in our communities by supporting locally owned small businesses. In Colorado, 97 percent of businesses are considered small. Still, the 560,000 small firms in the state collectively employ nearly 1 million people and account for almost all new […]

Neurosurgeon works to alleviate patients’ pain

Dr. Larry Tice helps patients suffering from what’s literally a pain in the neck — as well as the arms, legs and back. The neurosurgeon does so in part by offering procedures unavailable elsewhere in Western Colorado, including minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusions. The sacroiliac joint connects the last segment of the spine, the sacrum, […]

City cuts staffing to cut 2017 budget

A total of 31 positions were effected in efforts to cut $1 million in spending from the 2017 budget for the City of Grand Junction. The changes, most of which are scheduled to take effect Dec. 16, included a mix of voluntary and involuntary reductions as well as leaving vacant positions unfilled. “This has been […]

Theatrical venture stages shows to die for

Phil Castle, The Business Times What would happen if you’re invited to a delightful dinner party and between the appetizer and main course someone  suddenly dies? What sounds like tragic circumstances — not to mention a significant buzzkill — is anything but for a new Grand Valley business that stages interactive dinner theater performances in […]

Expectations upbeat for increased holiday shopping

Phil Castle, The Business Times Diane Schwenke holds out hope the holiday shopping season could be if not the most wonderful time of this year for Grand Valley businesses, then at least a bit better than last year. “I am still upbeat about the holiday season,” said Schwenke, president and chief executive officer of the […]

Officials: Election holds mixed results for business

Phil Castle, The Business Times Are businesses better off or worse off following the election? Diane Schwenke, for one, doesn’t believe there’s a simple answer. “I think it’s a mixed bag,” said Schwenke, president and chief executive officer of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. Tony Gagliardi, Colorado director of the National Federation of […]

Mesa County jobless rate trends downward

Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County has dropped to its lowest level of the year even as payrolls and the overall labor force grows. “Those are two really good signs for us to see,” said Curtis Englehart, manager of the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction. Those trends […]