Mesa County jobless rate still on the rise

Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County continues to rise in part because of layoffs in the energy sector. But local officials say it’s too early to tell whether the first increase in the February jobless rate in six years is an anomaly or something else. More will be known […]

Leading index forecasts growth, but at a slowing pace

A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to rise and signal growth, although at what could be a slower pace. The Conference Board Leading Economic Index rose two-tenths of a percent to 121.4 in February. Separate measures of current and past economic performance also increased. The leading increase has increased 2.4 […]

Profiles offer statistical snapshot of small business

Nearly 564,000 small businesses in Colorado collectively employ more than 991,000 people, according to the latest version of an annual analysis that offers a statistical snapshot of small firms in all 50 states. The latest report also reflects improving economic conditions for small businesses in Colorado and the United States. The Office of Advocacy, an […]

Jobless rate spikes, but at lower level

Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment rate spiked once again in January in Mesa County, but at its lowest level for the month in seven years. While layoffs from seasonal positions and energy industry payrolls have pushed up the jobless rate, there also are indications local labor conditions could continue to improve this […]

From retiree to hotelier: Former developer revamps Naturita hotel

Phil Castle, The Business Times Reed Mitchell didn’t care much for retirement. So the former real estate broker and developer decided instead to invest his time and money into renovating a hotel. Nearly three months and more than $1 million later, Mitchell and his wife, Michelle, have reopened the Rimrock Hotel in Naturita, a small town […]

GJEP director leaving group to take position with Xcel

Phil Castle, The Business Times The woman who for four years has led economic development efforts in Mesa County will soon work in a new position, but remain in the area. Kelly Flenniken, executive director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, expects to begin working April 6 as area manager of community and local government […]

Venture out to expand availability of depression treatment

Phil Castle, The Business Times Dr. Robert Sammons counts major depression among the worst conditions he treats because of the debilitating effects and limited quality of life those who suffer from depression experience. While medications remain the primary means of treating severe depression, they don’t always work. That’s why the Grand Junction psychiatrist has turned […]

Entrepreneur flips over parkour: At gym, avocation also vocation

Phil Castle, The Business Times Trevor Rittenhouse literally jumps at the chance to demonstrate the avocation he’s turned into a vocation. Sprinting to a platform, Rittenhouse springs up and forward to adeptly land atop another platform. And that’s just one of the parkour moves he’s perfected. He can easily flip over the increasingly popular sport, […]

Manufacturing connections: Summit to offer networking, but also focus on workforce development

Manufacturing connections: Summit to offer networking, but also focus on workforce development

Phil Castle, The Business Times       Eric Goertz stresses the importance of making connections among manufacturers. But Goertz also knows manufacturers face a challenge in finding qualified workers. That’s why the second version of an event that brings manufacturers together for educational presentations and networking also will focus on workforce development. “It’s the […]

Lodging taxes also on the rise

A monthly measure of hotel and motel stays in Grand Junction continues to reflect increasing business for the local hospitality sector. According to the Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau report for February, $60,367 in lodging taxes were collected. That’s a 2.2 percent increase over the $59,053 in collections reported for the same month in […]