Jobless rate retreats, but layoffs could affect trend

Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County has retreated to its lowest level so far this year. But recent layoffs could affect the downward trend, said Suzie Miller, business services manager at the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction. People who’ve recently lost their jobs should start looking now […]

Registration under way for free solar energy workshops

Registration is under way for two Western Colorado workshops offering information about controlling electricity costs by installing solar energy systems. The workshops are set for 10:30 a.m. Sept. 24 in the community room at Alpine Bank, 225 N. Fifth St. in Grand Junction, and Sept. 25 at Colorado Mountain College, 3695 Airport Road in Rifle. […]

Student count reflects rising enrollment at CMU

Enrollment has increased over the past year at Colorado Mesa University, according to the latest results of a one-day student census. The results also reflected increases in the number of students from other states and countries as well as those seeking bachelor’s degrees rather than associate degrees or certificates. The proportion of students who identified […]

Lodging tax collections reflect increased hotel stays

A monthly measure of local hotel and motel stays continues to rise, a reflection of increased business for the hospitality sector. According to the Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau report for August, $152,477 in lodging taxes were collected. That’s an increase of 12.5 percent over reported collections for the same month last year. August […]

Auto sales bolster tax collections

Phil Castle, The Business Times Tax collections continue to rise in the Grand Valley, a gain one official attributed in part to automotive sales. The City of Grand Junction reported a  5.8 percent increase in sales tax collections in August, the largest monthly proportional gain in year-over-year collections in a year. Mesa County reported a […]

State treasurer calls for consistent energy policy

Phil Castle, The Business Times A statewide energy policy would offer more certainty to an industry that plays an important role in the Colorado economy, according to State Treasurer Walker Stapleton. “We absolutely need a consistent policy,” Stapleton said during a presentation hosted by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. While Stapleton discussed several […]

Rules govern HUD bidding process

Prospective homebuyers who’ve located and are interested in bidding on properties offered for sale by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) should keep several key points in mind. During the first 15 days of the bid period, only owner occupants are allowed to bid. In addition, homebuyers must have a real estate […]

Grant to help Colorado businesses export

A nearly $200,000 federal grant will help Colorado businesses participate in international trade shows as part of an effort to increase exports. The U.S. Small Business Administration announced 40 awards worth a collective $17.4 million from its  State Trade and Export  Program (STEP). The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade received $195,938. The […]

Work to soon begin on Horizon Drive renovations

Phil Castle, The Business Times Construction is scheduled to soon begin on what is hoped will be the first phase of renovations along Horizon Drive in Grand Junction to improve traffic flow and safety as well as make what proponents believe will be a better first impression on visitors. “People are pretty excited about the […]