Business and job growth priorities under new Mesa County plan

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 […]

Mesa County Libraries director hired

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 […]

Mesa County makes list of improving housing markets

Mesa County once again appears on a list of improving housing markets compiled by the National Association of Home Builders. The NAHB/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) identifies areas that have shown improvement from recent lows in housing permits, home prices and employment for at least six consecutive months. According to the index results for […]

Deed releases reflect higher loan activity

A measure of refinancing and real estate sales dipped in Mesa County during the first quarter, but remains well above the same period last year. According to the latest information from the Colorado Division of Housing, the Mesa County public trustee’s office released 2,569 deeds of trust during the first quarter of 2013. That number […]

State board airs issues at West Slope meeting

Kelly Sloan, The Business Times The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission met in Grand Junction for a retreat to review activities as well as discuss potential new rules and issues related to oil and natural gas development. The nine-member commission, a part of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Safety, develops air pollution control […]

Energy industry outlook improving

Kelly Sloan,  The Business Times Representatives from two energy companies operating in Western Colorado offer a more upbeat outlook for industry activity in the region. Even as WPX expands production in the Piceance Basin to take an advantage of an uptick in natural gas prices, Shell Oil continues its research into developing what’s potentially an […]

Consumer Confidence Index climbs to five-year high

A monthly measure of consumer confidence has climbed for a third straight month to reach its highest point in more than five years. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index jumped more than seven points in June to 81.4. The index has risen to its highest level since standing at 87.3 in January […]

Mesa County jobless rate retreats to lowest level since 2009

Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County has slipped below 8 percent for the first time in more than four years as a number of indicators reflect a slowly improving labor market. The size of the workforce has yet to rebound, however, and finding full-time work remains a challenge for […]