Kelly Sloan, The Business Times A recent municipal election that drew sharp distinctions between candidates and positions also sparked a debate about the role of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce in that process. While the chamber long has taken positions on policies that affect business, its increasingly proactive efforts have drawn the indignation […]
Kelly Sloan, The Business Times Republican state lawmakers from the Grand Valley said they were challenged and frustrated by a legislative session controlled by Democrats. While some of the measures that were enacted could hurt businesses, other measures affecting the energy industry were defeated. State Sen. Steve King of Grand Junction called the latest session […]
A monthly index forecasting economic performance in the United States has advanced on growing strength in the housing and labor markets, signalling continued growth in the months ahead. Separate measures of current and past economic performance also edged up. Cuts in federal spending and continued uncertainty for businesses and consumers could affect the outlook, however. […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times: The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County continues to decline as hiring heats up along with the spring weather. Drops in the jobless rate in each of the last three months as well as a separate measure of labor demand offer encouragement labor conditions are improving and an overall work […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times After years spent volunteering for a variety of business and charitable organizations, Janet Brink has channeled her passion for community service into her new role as executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County. And Brink couldn’t be happier with the mission at hand: providing safe, decent and affordable […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times While apartment vacancies in Grand Junction rose as they usually do during the first quarter, Cindy Hoppe remains skeptical the increase was as dramatic as what was reported as the latest results of a statewide survey. “Things were not all rosy. But things were not all that bad, either,” said […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times While hotel and motel business in the Grand Valley slowed through the first four months of the year, busier summer and fall seasons are expected to reverse the trend. “Things do look better for May, June and beyond,” said Barb Bowman, division manager of the Grand Junction Visitor & Convention […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has increased on more upbeat expectations for an improving economy and increased sales and hiring. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Index of Small Business Optimism rose 2.6 points to 92.1 in April. Still, the latest index reading and the survey results […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Sales tax collections continue to decline in the Grand Valley, albeit at a slower pace that offers some encouragement the trend could change. “We’re hoping we’re moving in the right direction,” said Elizabeth Tice-Janda, revenue supervisor for the City of Grand Junction. For now, though, lower tax collections constitute a […]
Kelly Sloan, The Business Times Efforts continue to use more of the resources produced in Colorado to fuel transportation, whether in the form of compressed natural gas, propane or electricity. “We have an incredible abundance of natural resources here in Colorado — natural gas, natural gas liquids, you name it. And yet we are importing […]