Survey: Colorado business leaders more upbeat

Colorado business leaders are more optimistic heading into the new year thanks in part to the prospect of lower taxes and regulatory reform under a new presidential administration, according to the latest results of a quarterly survey. “We thought one way or the other, the election would be enough to sort of stabilize business expectations […]

Consumer confidence strengthens on improving expectations

A monthly measure of consumer confidence continues to increase along with expectations for improving business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index rose 4.3 points to 113.7 in December. While a component of the index tracking present conditions decreased, a component tracking expectations jumped more than 11 points to its highest […]

Leading index forecasts moderate growth in first half of 2017

An index forecasting economic performance in  the United States remains unchanged, but continues to signal moderate growth through the first half of the new year. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Index held steady at 124.6 in November, while separate measures of current and past conditions both increased. “The underlying trends in the […]

Hurd mentality: give back

Hurd mentality: give back

Phil Castle, The Business Times        Jeffrey Hurd expects to draw upon a lot of his experiences during his upcoming term as chairman of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, including his work as a lawyer. But Hurd brings another perspective to the role: He worked for the chamber […]

Real estate firm an entrepreneurial dream come true

Phil Castle, The Business Times Two months after opening a real estate firm in a building with her name on the sign out front, Amy Rogers sometimes struggles to realize her entrepreneurial dream has come true. “It’s almost like I have to pinch myself.” At the same time, though, Roger said she’s not about to […]

Despite slip, lodging tax collections outpace last year

While lodging tax collections slipped in Grand Junction in November, they continue to outpace last year and signal increased business for the local hospitality sector. The Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau reported that $117,055 in lodging taxes were collected in November. That’s $2,658 or about 2.2 percent less than what was collected during the […]

Damaging wine grape pest confirmed in Mesa County

Officials with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and Colorado State University are working with a vineyard owner to contain and eradicate the pest even as surveying continues to assess the scope of the infestation. “Hopefully, we’ve caught this quickly enough to protect Colorado’s grape crop,” said Laura Pottorff, a nursery and phytosanitary program manager with […]

DDA allocates funds for downtown police

Two Grand Junction police officers will be deployed downtown next year as part of a collaborative effort to increase the police presence there. The Downtown Development Authority board of directors voted to divert a portion of sales tax revenues to pay for two officers who’ll be dedicated to working downtown. The downtown officers are expected […]

Discounted bus passes available to veterans

Grand Valley Transit has implemented a program offering a 50 percent discount to veterans on all fixed-route passes for local bus service. The program is a collaborative effort of Grand Valley Transit as well as Mesa County Veteran Services provided through Aging and Disability Resources of Colorado and the regional office of Veterans Affairs in […]

Former deputy ag secretary among Colorado forum speakers

A former deputy secretary of agriculture is among the featured speakers scheduled to appear at an upcoming agricultural forum in Colorado. The Governor’s Forum of Colorado Agriculture also will feature presentations by Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, Colorado State University President Tony Frank and Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Don Brown. Krysta Harden, a former deputy secretary […]