Increased hiring across a range of industry sectors is expected to pull down unemployment and push up business prospects in Mesa County in 2014, according to an annual forecast prepared at the University of Colorado. “Overall, Mesa County expects employment growth in the construction, aviation, aerospace, health care and food and beverage manufacturing industries,” states the […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Sales tax collections in Mesa County have increased on a year-over-year basis for a second consecutive month, an encouraging development for local retailers and government coffers. Mesa County reported collecting a total of nearly $2.27 million in sales taxes for its capital improvement and general funds in November. That’s an increase […]
The Colorado wine industry accounts for more than $144 million a year in sales and tourism-related spending in the state, according to the results of a new study. Total economic contributions from the wine industry have more than tripled since a similar study was conducted in 2005. “The Colorado wine industry is increasingly strong and […]
Members of a small business advocacy group responding to annual poll oppose prohibitions against the use of hydraulic fracturing in energy production in Colorado. Members also oppose an increase in fuel taxes to pay for roads and bridges, an increase in the minimum cost of stop-loss insurance and any prohibitions against considering a job applicant’s […]
A monthly index tracking optimism among small business owners has increased in part on more upbeat plans to increase staffing. But the index also reflects ongoing uncertainty over taxes, regulations and the implementation of the federal health care law. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index increased nearly a […]
An index tracking labor trends in the United States has rebounded following a partial federal government shutdown in October, signaling job growth in the months ahead. The Conference Board reported that its Employment Trends Index rose more than 1.5 points to 115.21 in November. The index has advanced 5.3 percent over the past year. A […]
Mesa County tumbled more than 30 spots in the latest ranking of how well small metropolitan areas create and sustain jobs and economic growth. Illustrating the economic divide between the Western Slope and Front Range of Colorado, four other Colorado cities ranked among the top 20 large metro areas in the ranking. Mesa County fell […]
The latest statistical snapshot offers a picture of improving labor conditions in the United States with job growth on the rise and joblessness at a five-year low. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nonfarm payrolls grew an estimated 203,000 in November even as the unemployment rate retreated three-tenths of a point to 7 percent, […]
Lodging tax collections have edged up in Grand Junction, but not yet enough to keep pace with last year. According to the Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau report for November, $101,476 in lodging taxes were collected. That’s $808, or 0.8 percent, more than what was reported for the same month last year. Since lodging […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Business owners and managers remain mostly subdued in their outlook for economic conditions in the Grand Valley, according to the latest results of a twice-yearly member survey conducted by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. While more owners and managers expect sales and staffing to increase than decrease over […]