Mesa County real estate numbers add up to recovery

Phil Castle, The Business Times The latest numbers continue to add up to recovery in the Mesa County real estate market. Even as transactions and dollar volume increase, property foreclosure filings and sales decrease. “I think we’ll have another good year in the real estate market,” said Robert Bray, president of Bray Real Estate in […]

Colorado business index slumps, but still forecasts growth

A monthly index tracking business conditions in Colorado has slipped, but continues to signal growth based on increased construction activity as well as hiring at a pace double that of the United States. The Business Conditions Index retreated more than four points in September, yet at 52.2 forecasts an expanding economy over the next three […]

Small business group poll: Members oppose school finance measure

Phil Castle, The Business Times Members of a small business advocacy group responding to a poll nearly unanimously oppose a ballot initiative that would increase state income taxes to raise additional funding for public schools in Colorado. “I don’t think there’s much doubt about it,” said Tony Gagliardi, state director of the National Association of […]

Chef plans to spice things up for flash restaurant

Phil Castle, The Business Times A chef who’s literally made it his business to create decadent cheesecakes expects to spice things up for what he believes will be the first flash restaurant in Western Colorado. The menu will feature, among other things, hamburgers, fries and chili made with peppers and plenty of them. “I’m talking […]

Family fun center to soon open

A new family entertainment center is scheduled to open in Grand Junction in October, offering roller skating, laser tag, bowling and other attractions. Spin City is set to open at 10 a.m. Oct. 11 at 637 24 1/2 Road in a 48,000 square-foot building previously occupied by GJ Scores. The newly renovated facility includes a […]

Summit planned to bolster hospitality businesses

An upcoming event in Montrose will offer information about a variety of topics in helping businesses succeed in the hospitality industry. The Western Business Alliance and Montrose Office of Business and Tourism have scheduled the Western Colorado Hospitality Summit for Oct. 24 and 25 at the Montrose Pavilion Events Center, 1800 Pavilion Drive. Nationally recognized […]

Federal Reserve economists: Mesa County lags behind state and national recovery

Phil Castle,The Business Times   Even as the state and national economies recover at a modest pace, Mesa County lags behind with higher jobless rates, slower home construction activity and lower housing prices, according to two economists and executives with the Federal Reserve. “It probably doesn’t feel like a recovery has taken hold yet,” said […]

Fracking benefits extolled

Kelly Sloan, The Business Times Hydraulic fracturing hasn’t caused a single documented case of groundwater contamination, but has resulted in a dramatic increase in domestic energy production. It’s important to consider the facts about “fracking” in an increasingly contentious debate because opponents have resorted to misinformation to provoke public antagonism and influence public policy, said […]

For fast-growing solar firm, outlook remains bright under new ownership

Phil Castle, The Business Times A fast-growing solar development company founded in Grand Junction has been sold to what’s considered a pioneering firm in the solar industry. While the name will change from Syndicated Solar to RGS Energy, the Grand Junction office and its staff of 12 will remain in operation, said Harold Warth, regional […]