The Grand Valley already offers “unbelievable assets” in attracting mountain bike enthusiasts. But there’s potential to further develop the area as a destination, according to a business executive who serves as the volunteer bike czar for Colorado. “I really think Grand Junction has a silver platter in delivering those products,” said Ken Gart. Gart, a […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times If Luis Benitez has learned anything about peak performance, it’s that it takes tenacity to reach the top, and the process is somethings as important as the end result. While there are differences between climbing mountains and promoting an industry, Benitez says the lessons he learned from one of his […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Shrader knows from personal experience the contributions of the outdoor recreation industry to the Grand Valley economy.Shrader and her husband, Thaddeus, run Bonsai Design, a Grand Junction company that designs and installs projects specifically for outdoor recreation, including ziplines, challenge courses and canopy tours. What started out as a small […]
A monthly measure of hotel and motel stays continues to increase on a year-over-year basis, a reflection of more business for the local hospitality industry. According to the Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau report for October, $155,527 in lodging tax were collected. That’s a 14 percent increase over the report for October 2014 and […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Sales and use tax collections continue to rise in the Grand Valley, but at a slower pace that could signal a trend that continues into next year. The overall direction for the key indicator of local retail sales remains upward, said Jodi Romero, financial operations director for the City of […]
An engineering and design firm has earned recognition for a project in which it used an unmanned aerial system to survey an area for a proposed trail in Fruita. Olsson Associates was among the winners of Engineering Excellence Awards presented by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado. A panel of industry professionals judged […]
A Grand Valley business best known for its decadent cheesecakes has earned national recognition for its spicy Southern relish. Decadence Gourmet won two awards in an annual program conducted by Chili Pepper Magazine. The company’s Colorado-style Southern chowchow placed first in the category for hot relishes and second for specialty condiments. Lee Mathis, owner of […]
A monthly measure of confidence among small business owners remains stuck at a below-average level. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index held steady at 96.1 in October. The index has gained only seven-tenths of a point over the past three months. The index is based on the results […]
A Grand Junction facility showcasing an eclectic collection of automobiles is scheduled to close in December. Allen Unique Autos announced the closure following what’s described as a change of heart by Tammy Allen, the woman who opened the combination limousine service, events center and museum. “With the loss of her beloved son, Landon, the focus […]
Unemployment in the United States has decreased to its lowest level in more than seven years even as payrolls have increased. According to the latest Labor Department estimates, the jobless rate edged down a tenth of a point to 5 percent in October. That’s the lowest level since April 2008. Nonfarm payrolls increased 271,000 in […]