Hickenlooper updates development effort

Phil Castle, The Business Times Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper returned to the area where he kicked off a grassroots effort to develop a new economic development plan for the state to offer an update as well as some encouragement. Given differences in economic recovery between the Front Range and Western Slope, though, Hickenlooper faced tough questions […]

Governor: Despite fires and floods, state of the state strong

Kelly Sloan, The Business Times Colorado not only has survived wildfires and floods, but also has thrived in an economic recovery that has brought new jobs and companies to the state, Gov. John Hickenlooper said in a State of the State Address that acknowledged tragedies and touted accomplishments. “Despite every unforeseen test, despite everything that was […]

State grant for mining staffing firm questioned

Kelly Sloan, The Business Times A Western Colorado lawmaker questions the wisdom of providing state economic development funding to a company that fills jobs outside Colorado. “I think TK Mining is a fine business, and they do a great work in providing jobs for our mining professionals. But the fact is that those jobs are in […]

Aviation firm considering move to Grand Junction

Kelly Sloan, The Business Times A Canadian company could expand its aerial firefighting services with operations based out of the Grand Junction Regional Airport. Representatives of Coulson Aviation, a division of the Coulson Group based in British Columbia, have been meeting with representatives of the state government to discuss establishing a base of operations in Colorado. […]

Business center extends services with Fruita operations

Phil Castle, The Business Times For now, the spacious room on the second floor of the Fruita Civic Center offers office space with desks and a conference table. What the room becomes, however, will depend on the needs of entrepreneurs using the satellite operation of the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction. “It’s a blank canvas,” […]

Investment manager: 2014 forecast mostly upbeat

Phil Castle, The Business Times Economic growth should continue through 2014 in the United States as consumer spending holds steady, unemployment rates decline and federal monetary intervention tapers off. While a bull run that’s carried the stock market to record heights is expected to continue, it’s less likely investors will enjoy another year of double-digit […]

Small business index: economy “crawling forward”

A monthly index tracking optimism among small business owners has increased on reports of increased capital spending and hiring, but remains well below its pre-recession average. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.4 points to 93.9 in December. Although the index has advanced for two months, it remains below the average reading […]