Small business group endorses gubernatorial challenger

A small business advocacy group has endorsed Bob Beauprez in his bid for election as governor of Colorado. Beauprez offers the experience and record to help the small business owners who employ half of the private-sector workforce and create almost every new job in the state, said Tony Gagliardi, Colorado state director for the National […]

Economic and job growth boost consumer confidence

A measure of consumer confidence continues to increase along with improving business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index advanced more than two points to 92.4 in August. While consumers were more upbeat in their assessments of current conditions, they were a bit less optimistic in their short-term outlooks. “Consumer […]

Leading index forecasts faster growth ahead in U.S.

A monthly index forecasting economic performance in the United States has increased sharply, a signal the pace of growth could accelerate. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Index climbed nine-tenths of a percent to 103.3 in July. With increases in each of the last six months, the index has advanced 4 percent over […]

Site selector to share insights about Mesa County

Phil Castle, The Business Times An executive who’s been involved with multiple site selection programs will share his insights about Mesa County as a potential location for businesses during an upcoming event. John Frank, a senior vice president with CH2M Hill, is scheduled to deliver the keynote presentation during the annual meeting of the Grand […]

Franchisees sought for Dunkin’ Donut operations

A national restaurant chain is looking for entrepreneurs interested in opening Dunkin’ Donuts franchises in Grand Junction and other Western Colorado locations. “Dunkin’ Donuts is looking for qualified candidates with food service, operations and real estate experience to join our team and grow the brand in Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs and Durango, said Grant Benson, […]

SCORE: Business group returning to Grand Valley

Phil Castle, The Business Times An organization that offers a range of  free services to entrepreneurs soon will return to the Grand Valley. SCORE will be back in operation and offering services at the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction within two to three months, officials with the organization and center announced. “We’re excited to […]

Mesa County jobless rate drops to near six-year low.

Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County has dropped to its lowest level in nearly six years as labor conditions slowly improve. The latest estimates for payrolls and the overall labor force reflect gains over the previous month and previous year. And a separate measure of labor demand has increased […]

Outlook bright for Colorado agriculture industry

Phil Castle, The Business Times Wendy White offers an optimistic outlook for the Colorado agricultural industry based on growing sales to very difference sources. Even as exports of agricultural products from Colorado to far-flung markets increase, so does demand from consumers for locally grown and raised foods. “I think it’s really positive,” said White, a […]

Auction planned as artist focuses on painting

Phil Castle, The Business Times After a long and successful career of crafting custom furniture and combining furniture and fine art into pieces he calls Furniture Scapes, Thomas Winne yearns to focus at last on just the art. So he’s selling an eclectic collection of furniture, paintings, materials and tools to make room for new […]