Small business optimism retreats on dour outlook

A monthly measure of confidence among small business owners has retreated on less upbeat expectations for capital spending, sales and a host of other factors. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index retreated 4.2 points to 94.1 in June. With the decline, the index has slipped back below the […]

Lodging tax stats reflect more stays

A monthly measure of hotel and motel stays in Grand Junction continues to rise, a reflection of increasing businesses for the hospitality sector. According to the Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau report for June, $159,366 in lodging taxes were collected. That’s the highest monthly total so far for 2015 and a 6.4 percent increase […]

Rising tax collections tied to tourism and energy

Phil Castle, The Business Times Sales and use tax collections continue to rise on a year-over-year basis in the Grand Valley, the latest numbers buoyed in part by increased sales related to the tourism and energy sectors. The City of Grand Junction reported a 6 percent increase in combined sales and use tax collections in […]

Report: Public lands activity adds $360 billion to economy

Recreation, energy development and other activities on federal lands administered by  the Department of the Interior contributed nearly $360 billion to the national economy and created more than 2 million jobs, according to a report for the 2014 fiscal year. “This report demonstrates once again that the Department of Interior is a powerful economic engine,” […]

Real estate licensing goes online in Colorado

A new online program has been launched in Colorado to help real estate professionals manage their licensing. The Colorado Division of Real Estate, part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies, offers eLicense. The 55,000 licensed real estate industry professionals in Colorado can use eLicense to submit their applications online, update their accounts, renew or reinstate […]

Mesa County gets $3 million PILT check

Mesa County will receive more than $3 million in the latest payment in lieu of taxes on more than 1.5 million acres of public lands. The payment is the single largest of a total of nearly $31 million in so-called PILT payments to Colorado counties. Nationwide, a total of almost $405 million will be distributed […]

Utility manager praised for community involvement

Kelly Sloan, The Business Times As Western Slope area manager for Xcel Energy for 25 years, Fred Eggleston not only represented the utility in the community, but also was involved in the community. It was a role Eggleston said he cherished. Now that’s retired, others said Eggleston leaves a legacy of service. Eggleston announced his […]

Health care network goals: Better care at a lower cost

Phil Castle, The Business Times Dr. Michael Pramenko believes a newly formed health care network in Mesa County will achieve its goals of providing better care at a lower cost. But Pramenko also foresees additional economic benefits when local businesses spend less money on health care and more money on hiring staff  and expanding operations. […]