Phil Castle, The Business Times What’s been announced as a delay in a implementing a key provision of federal health care law gives some businesses another year to prepare for requirements they offer insurance to employees or pay fines. While it applies only to businesses with the equivalent of 50 or more full-time employees, the […]
U.S. job growth has accelerated with payroll gains of nearly 200,000 in each of the last three months. The monthly unemployment rate remains unchanged, however, as more people without jobs look for work. According to Labor Department estimates, nonfarm payrolls grew 195,000 in June with hiring spread across a range of industry sectors. Estimates for […]
Food, bottled water and other donations to victims of the Black Forest Fire in Colorado will be accepted through July 10 at Alpine Bank locations in Western Colorado. Boxed meals, canned goods, cereals, peanut butter and snacks as well as bottled water and sports drinks will be collected and delivered to the Salvation Army and […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Michael Burkhard feels encouraged by increasing real estate activity in Mesa County through the first half of 2013, yet remains apprehensive about what could happen during the second half. He’s worried rising interest rates and regulatory changes could slow what’s been steady improvement in the local market. “There’s still a […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times A group of entrepreneurs involved in the growing lavender industry in Western Colorado once again will host a festival to showcase the versatile plant and it’s many uses. “We want to share with the outside world what we’re doing,” said Sunny Howland, president of the Lavender Association of Western Colorado. […]
A quarterly index tracking optimism among Colorado business leaders continues to surge on improving expectations for everything from the economy and jobs to sales and profits. “The index is very strong, universally strong — a significant uptick in confidence,” said Richard Wobbekind, executive director of the business research division of the Leeds School of Business […]
A monthly index tracking business conditions in Colorado has retreated from a two-year high, but continues to forecast growth in the months ahead. The Business Conditions Index slipped to 58.7 in June, down more than four points from a reading in May that at 62.8 was the highest since May 2011. The latest results reflect […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Heidi Ihrke describes the development of the solar energy industry in terms of a quote attributed to Mahatma Gandhi. “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. Solar is on the brink of winning,” said Ihrke, co-owner of High Noon Solar in […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Business and job growth remain important priorities for Mesa County under a new strategic plan developed to guide county government. “We want a county environment that’s business friendly,” said Mesa County Commissioner Steve Aquafresca. Lower taxes and fees, fewer regulations and partnerships with local business and economic development groups all […]
A man who has managed an urban library with diverse patrons and become a leader in evolving library technologies has been hired as director of Mesa County Libraries. Joseph Sanchez will succeed Eve Tallman, who has served as library director since 2007. Tallman plans to retire in August. Sanchez starts his duties following the opening […]