A monthly measure of consumer confidence has retreated on less upbeat expectations for business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index fell nearly nine points to 90.9 in July. While a component of the index tracking consumer assessments of current conditions slipped almost three points, a component tracking their short-term […]
A monthly index forecasting economic performance in the United States continues to rise, in turn bolstering the outlook for the second half of the year. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Index rose six-tenths of a percent to 123.6 in June. Separate measures of current and past economic activity also increased. “The upward […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times The Mesa County labor market once again hit a seasonal speed bump with a spike in the jobless rate in June. But with year-over-year decreases in payrolls and overall work force as well as a key measure of labor demand, the latest statistics raise additional concerns about the market. “We’re […]
The Colorado economy should continue to grow through the second half of 2015 with payroll gains topping 61,000 by the end of the year, according to a university forecast. Midway through the year, though, Mesa County still lags behind statewide averages for growth in employment, personal income and home prices. The research division of the […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Jonathan Harris requires only a light touch on the controls to maneuver the flying machine buzzing over his head. A nudge on one lever directs the machine right and then left. A nudge on another lever sends the machine shooting straight up into the blue morning sky. Harris […]
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,” […]
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 […]