While U.S. payrolls grew an estimated 533,000 during the first quarter, the pace of hiring remains slightly below the average for the past year. The unemployment rate remains unchanged at 6.7 percent. According to the latest statistical snapshot from the Department of Labor, nonfarm payrolls grew 192,000 in March. Moreover, initial estimates for job growth […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times What’s usually the slowest quarter of the year for real estate activity in Mesa County was even slower this year. Year-over-year declines in sales and dollar volume in both March and January pulled down the overall numbers for the first quarter. “You still see the slowness we’ve been hoping would go away,” said Annette […]
A quarterly measure of confidence among business leaders in Colorado continues to increase, in turn raising expectations for what could be record job growth in the state. The University of Colorado reported that its Leeds Business Confidence Index rose more than a point to 61 going into the second quarter of the year. “Increased confidence […]
Kelly Sloan , The Business Times Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper continues to advocate for a cooperative approach, including efforts to develop a statewide water plan. Describing his role as that of a facilitator, Hickenlooper said the goal is to bring various parties and stakeholders together to hash out their differences and come up with a compromise. […]
Kelly Sloan, The Business Times Representatives from Halliburton had no sooner thanked John Hickenlooper for touring a drill bit refurbishing operation in Grand Junction than the Colorado governor returned the courtesy. “It is us who need to thank you,” Hickenlooper said, referring to the more than 100,00 jobs and $30 billion in economic contributions the energy sector […]
Kelly Sloan, The Business Times U.S. Sen Mark Udall vowed to take into consideration local concerns in legislation that would change the Colorado National Monument into a national park. During a recent meeting at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Udall was flanked by members of a committee formed to draft language for proposed legislation even as he encouraged public participation […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County has slipped from what’s usually the highest level of the year as labor conditions gradually improve. “I think we’re going to see continued, but very slow, improvement,” said Sue Tuffin, director of the Mesa County Workforce Center n Grand Junciton. Accrording to the latest statistical […]
A monthly measure of consumer confidence has rebounded on more optimistic expectations for improving business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index jumped four points to 82.3 in March. The increase more than makes up for a 1.1 point decrease the month before. A component of the index tracking current […]
A monthly index forecasting economic performance in the United States continues to rise, signaling growth ahead. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Index climbed to 99.8 in February, up a half of a percent. The LEI has increased 2.7 percent over the past six months. Separate measures of current and lagging performance also […]
Two students who hope to bring to market a new medical device designed to improve mobility for the disabled were the latest winners of an annual elevator pitch competition at Colorado Mesa University. Marshall Anderson and Ryan Bengford placed first in the event, conducted as part of Entrepreneurship Day at CMU. Three finalists had 90 […]