Federal health care legislation expanded insurance coverage in Colorado, but didn’t stem rising health care costs or premiums, according to the first in a series of reports tracking the effects of federal policies in the state. Western Colorado counties had the highest proportions of residents who received subsidies under the Affordable Care Act to buy […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Diane Schwenke says health insurance comes up in almost every conversation she has with business owners and managers, whether it’s at networking events, committee meetings or other functions of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. While employers want to provide insurance, many can’t afford the rising premiums. Meanwhile, plans […]
An index forecasting economic performance in the United States has increased, signaling what could be accelerating growth in the months ahead. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Index rose six-tenths of a percent to 125.5 in January. Separate measures of current and past economic conditions also increased. “The U.S. Leading Economic Index increased […]
Businesses and organizations were recognized for their roles in a campaign that raised more than $900,000 for United Way of Mesa County. As of Feb. 15, the latest campaign had raised $913,646. That’s more than 91 percent of the $1 million goal announced at the beginning of the effort and 5 percent more than what […]
The new leader of a federal agency that helps small businesses expects to draw on her own entrepreneurial experiences, including her work as executive of both a wrestling entertainment company and venture promoting leadership opportunities for women. The U.S. Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s nomination of Linda McMahon as 25th administrator of the U.S. Small […]
A panel discussion about energy development is planned for Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction. The discussion is set for 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 24 in room 213 of the Colorado Mesa University Center. The event is free and open to the public. For reservations, send an e-mail to energy@coloradomesa.edu. The Unconventional Energy Center […]
A measure of hotel and motel stays in Grand Junction has decreased for a third straight month. The Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau reported that $66,884 in lodging taxes were collected in January. That’s $685 or 1 percent less than was collected during the same month last year. January collections reflect hotel and motel […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners continues to increase, suggesting a post-election surge could have staying power. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index edged up a tenth of a point to 105.9 in January. That adds to a gain of 7.4 in December, the largest […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Christopher Guith cites three factors that bode well for the energy industry — increasing global demand, rising commodity prices and especially a more receptive political environment. And what bodes well for the energy industry bodes well for Western Colorado and the Grand Valley, said Guith, senior vice president of policy […]
Colorado continues to fare comparatively well in an annual analysis of how tax systems affect small businesses and entrepreneurs. Colorado came in 13th in the 2017 Small Business Policy Index compiled by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council. Colorado assesses comparatively low income taxes and fuel taxes, while ranking near the middle for sales and […]