Small business confidence index reflects mixed results

A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has rebounded on more upbeat expectations for capital spending and increased sales, but also reflects ambivalence. “Those were two bright spots in an otherwise mixed reading,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist for the National Federation of Independent Business. The NFIB reported that its Small Business Optimism […]

U.S. labor update: Payrolls up, jobless rate down

Job growth continues in the United States at a pace of more than 200,000 net new positions a month. Meanwhile, the jobless rate has slipped to its lowest level in six years. According to the latest Department of Labor estimates, nonfarm payrolls increased 214,000 in October. The unemployment rate edged down a tenth of a […]

Web site connects volunteers and service groups

A new Web site helps to connect volunteers with local agencies and nonprofit groups in Mesa County. A collaborative effort of United Way of Mesa County and Western Colorado 2-1-1, the Get Connected Web site matches volunteers with opportunities that align with their interests and schedules. Volunteers can sign up to receive e-mail notifications from […]

150 lose jobs at Western Colorado coal mine

A company has scaled back production at a Western Colorado coal mine and eliminated 150 jobs there. Bowie Resources announced that it’s reducing production at its Bowie No. 2 Mine near Paonia following the termination of a coal supply agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority as well as what the company characterized as continued weakness […]

Colorado ranks 20th in state tax analysis

Colorado ranks 20th among the 50 states in the latest results of an annual analysis of how taxes affect business. Colorado slipped one spot in the State Business Tax Climate Index for 2015, but continues to fare well for its comparatively lower corporate and individual income taxes. The Tax Foundation — a nonprofit, nonpartisan tax […]

Bank of Colorado announces deal to acquire MontroseBank

Bank of Colorado has announced plans to acquire MontroseBank and its six Western Colorado locations. Executives with the two banks have signed an agreement. Pending regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to close in February. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are pleased to add MontroseBank to the Bank of Colorado […]

Local truck dealership under new ownership

Phil Castle, The Business Times The staff and operations of a Western Slope truck and trailer dealership aren’t expected to dramatically change under new ownership. Hanson International of Western Colorado and its facilities in Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs have been purchased by McCandless Truck Center. Rob Hanson, the previous owner of Hanson International, said […]

Speaker: Washington gridlock not yet over

Phil Castle, The Business Times The stalemate in Washington could continue regardless of the outcome of mid-term elections, predicts an attorney considered an expert on politics and policies. Only a serious triggering event could change the partisan gridlock, although higher interest rates ultimately could force cuts in entitlement spending and corporate tax reforms could be […]

Check it out: Libraries encourage businesses to tap resources

Check it out: Libraries encourage businesses to tap resources

Phil Castle, The Business Times Dick Kandiko wanted to conduct some research on the millennial generation, the members of which constitute the target market for the birthing center he helps manage in Grand Junction. Kandiko tapped the free resources offered at the Mesa County Libraries, including the personal assistance of a librarian who showed him […]