A monthly index forecasting future economic activity in the United States continues to signal growth, bolstered in large part by a rebound in the housing market. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Index (LEI) rose two-tenths of a percent to 94.1 in January. The index has increased 1.1 percent over the previous six […]
While the economic environment has improved, small businesses continue to face lingering challenges from the recession, according to the latest version of an annual report published by the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy. “‘The Small Business Economy 2012’ demonstrates that small businesses have been at the core of our economy’s growth over the […]
Kelly Sloan, The Business Times A proposed measure subjecting Colorado businesses that employ fewer than 15 people to the same legal sanctions in wrongful-dismissal lawsuits as larger employers has drawn harsh criticism from the small business community and Republican lawmakers. House Bill 13-1136 would extend payment of attorney’s fees; court costs; and punitive and compensatory […]
Kelly Sloan, The Business Times A public comment period remains open through April 25 on a proposed plan guiding management of more than 1 million acres of federal land in Mesa County, including provisions affecting energy development and off-road travel. Comments will help determine how various alternatives are integrated into a revised management plan (RMP) […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Having lived through the best and worst of economic times during her more than 30-year legal career in Grand Junction, Betty Bechtel believes the area is poised for growth beyond that associated with boom and bust energy cycles. “I feel right now we’re on a positive incline,” Bechtel said. “I […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Rich Lopez envisions an organization that not only will help businesses, but also establish lasting connections with a growing Latino population in Western Colorado. “We have to connect the non-Latinos with the Latino people. What I’m doing is to provide a bridge to accomplish these things,” says Lopez, the president […]
A series of online presentations will offer information about crowdfunding and urban farming. The U.S. Small Business Administration will host the three webinars as part of National Entrepreneurship Week. The webinars are scheduled for 1 p.m. (MST) Feb. 19, 20 and 21. To join in the webinars, participants should log on to www.connectmeeting.att.com, enter meeting […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times A member of a family that for 140 years has operated what’s become an iconic Colorado business will share his experiences and advice at annual event celebrating entrepreneurship. Pete Coors, an executive with Molson Coors and MillerCoors, will deliver the keynote address at the Colorado Mesa University Entrepreneurship Day April […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times The Christmas shopping season was anything but merry for Grand Valley retailers if declining tax collections accurately correspond to declining sales. According to January reports that reflect December activity, sales tax collections dropped 4.4 percent for Mesa County and 4.1 percent for the City of Grand Junction compared to last year. […]
Property foreclosure sales continued to increase on a year-over-year basis Mesa County during the fourth quarter of 2012 even as the county continued to experience one of the highest foreclosure rates in Colorado. According to the latest figures compiled by the Colorado Division of Housing, 202 foreclosure sales were reported in Mesa County during the […]