A monthly measure of consumer confidence has rebounded to its highest level in more than six years as the outlook for business and labor conditions continues to improve. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index jumped three points to 85.2 in June. The latest reading is the highest reading since January 2008, when […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times A long-awaited meeting with Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper to talk face-to-face about ways to improve the economy in Western Colorado finally has been scheduled. “We are very pleased that the governor is coming over,” said Bonnie Petersen, executive director of Club 20 based in Grand Junction. The group of businesses, governments […]
Phil CastleThe Business Times The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County has dropped to its lowest level in more than five years, but there are far fewer people in the local work force. The latest labor estimates, although encouraging, still offer mixed economic news, said Suzie Miller, business services manager at the Mesa County Workforce […]
An index forecasting economic performance in the United States continues to rise, signaling what’s expected to be more rapid growth in the months ahead. The Conference Board Leading Economic Index rose another half of a percent to 101.7 in May. The latest monthly gain was the fourth in a row and brings the proportional increase […]
Mesa County will receive nearly $3.4 million as payment in lieu of taxes on more than 1.5 million acres of federal property in the county. The payment is the largest to any Colorado county for the 2014 fiscal year and accounts for nearly 10 percent of the more than $34.5 million in so-called PILT payments […]
The largest medical center and largest group of doctors in the region have announced plans to establish a network to offer more integrated health care. The goal of creating what’s called a clinically integrated network (CIN) involving St. Mary’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center and Primary Care Partners is to provide better care at a […]
A measure of hotel and motel stays continues to reflect increased business for the hospitality sector in the Grand Valley. According to a Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau report for May, $98,401 in lodging taxes were collected. That’s a 6.4 percent increase over the $92,453 in collections reported for the same month last year. […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Year-over-year gains in sales tax collections in the Grand Valley continue to reflect increased retail activity as well as offer the promise of improving economic conditions. “I think we’re turning in the right direction,” said Elizabeth Tice-Janda, revenue supervisor for the City of Grand Junction. Frank Whidden, deputy administrator for […]
The term “basis” constitutes a critical concept in income tax law, yet one that’s difficult to grasp. Add to that what’s known as the step up in basis that results at death. Let’s explore this issue in the context of two hypothetical clients I call Bill and Carole. Carole told me she and Bill had […]
A company that opened a brewery and restaurant in Grand Junction will receive a rebate on business personal property taxes it otherwise would pay to Mesa County. The Mesa County Commissioners approved an agreement with Rosco’s, which operates the Edgewater Brewery and Edgewater Tap & Grill. The agreement covers 10 years and will result in […]