Phil Castle, The Business Times Larry Skaff faces the same challenge every time he hires a new employee for his medical software firm in Grand Junction. Skaff pays not only the salary of a new hire during the six months to a year it typically takes for that person to gain sufficient knowledge and experience […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Seth Schaeffer tells stories in the films his Grand Junction video production company produces. And some of his favorite stories are about manufacturers. Schaeffer has his reasons, among them the compelling footage manufacturing processes offer. “Visually, it’s always so beautiful and spectacular.” Schaeffer also likes to portray […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has edged up on more upbeat expectations for sales and earnings. The National Federation of Independent Business reported at its Small Business Optimism Index rose a half point to 95.9 in August. Despite gains in each of the last two months, the index remains below the […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times While real estate activity slowed in Mesa County in August, overall transactions and dollar volume remain up and are expected to finish the year that way. “I’m a little surprised, but not concerned,” said Robert Bray, chief executive officer of Bray Real Estate in Grand Junction. Annette Miller, senior vice […]
Employers continue to add jobs even as the jobless rate slips in the United States. According to the latest government estimates, nonfarm payrolls increased 173,000 in August with gains spread out among a number of industry sectors. The unemployment rate retreated two-tenths of a point to 5.1 percent, the lowest level since March 2008. Initial […]
Kelly Sloan, The Business Times Business groups oppose a labor ruling they warn could have far-reaching implications, particularly for franchise operations and subcontractors. “This is a horrendous decision that will kill franchise businesses,” said Tony Gagliardi, Colorado director for the National Federation of Independent Business. Diane Schwenke, president and chief executive officer of the Grand […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times While the exact boundaries of the Enterprise Zone will change, the state program offering tax credits for business development will continue in Mesa County. The redrawn and enlarged zone was among 14 across the state approved by the Colorado Economic Development Commission that will become effective in January. Enterprise Zones […]
A Grand Junction entrepreneur who’s developed online video editing software that combines powerful features with ease of operation believes his product has a lot to offer in the classroom. And he’s inviting educators and students to try it out. Loopster is giving away 20,000 educational packages valued at a total of $1.5 million. “Video is […]
The executive director of the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction is among three finalists for director of the Downtown Development Authority. Jon Maraschin, director of the center for more than four years, is among the finalists announced by the DDA board of directors. John Schneiger, former city manager of Fruita and Montrose, also is […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Faced with a downturn in the energy industry their Grand Junction machine shop serves, Lindsey Robinson said she and her husband, Aaron, had a decision to make. They could reduce staffing until sales rebounded or try to keep employees busy fabricating different products. The Robinsons pursued the […]