Leading index signals growth in U.S.

A monthly index forecasting economic performance in the United States has increased, signalling growth in the year ahead. The Conference Board reported it Leading Economic Index (LEI) rose a half a percent to 93.9 in December. Separate measures of current and past performance also increased. “The latest data suggest that a pickup in domestic growth […]

KAFM community radio plans benefit auction

KAFM has scheduled a benefit auction to raise money for the community radio station in Grand Junction. The KAFM Art & Other Treasures Live Auction will feature more than 100 lots of fine art and collectibles, jewelry, vintage textiles, furniture, entertainment packages, travel and outdoor gear. Presented by U.S. Bank, the auction is scheduled for […]

Registration under way for ag forum

Registration is open through Feb. 4 for an upcoming forum that  will focus on the role of innovation in the Colorado agriculture industry. The 2013 Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture is set for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Denver Renaissance Hotel. Admission is $100, and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. […]

Latest winners of art awards announced

A business and two individuals have received awards recognizing their contributions to arts and culture in Grand Junction. Doyle Trading Consultants received the business award. Harold Moss and his late wife, Ruth, received individual awards in the Champion of the Arts awards program conducted by the Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture. Steve and […]

Four honored for roles in promoting wine industry

A trade association of wine grape growers and wineries has honored four people for their roles in promoting the Colorado wine industry. Barb Bowman, Debbie Kovalik, Sylvia Sharpe and Dave Tewksbury all were named Friends of Colorado Wine by the Colorado Association for Viticulture and Enology (CAVE). The awards were presented at the conclusion of […]

Ski season starts slow, but outlook still upbeat

The turnout at Colorado ski resorts for the early  part of the season was down. But industry officials expect improving snow conditions to bring more business. “We’re optimistic that some of the best skiing of the season is still ahead of us,” said Melanie Mills, president and chief executive officer of Colorado Ski Country USA, […]

New gym offers option to work out around the clock

Phil Castle, The Business Times  A newly opened gym in Grand Junction offers members a place at which they can work out literally any time they want. Monument Fitness is open around-the-clock, and members use personal identification numbers to access the facility. “The advantages of a members-only gym is the freedom to exercise at your […]

Mesa County vaults in think tank comparison of best-performing areas

Phil Castle, The Business Times  Mesa County vaulted nearly 70 spots in the latest ranking of how well small metropolitan areas create and sustain jobs. The Grand Junction metropolitan statistical area, which equates to Mesa County, soared from 117th to 50th among 179 small metro areas ranked in the 2012 Milken Institute Index of Best-Performing […]

Investment advisor expects return to “regular normal”

Phil Castle, The Business Times Doug May’s forecast for economic and financial conditions in 2013 looks remarkably similar to predictions that turned out to be near spot on for 2012. May expects the United States economy to continue to expand modestly even as stock prices advance and unemployment retreats. Following a period some characterized as […]

Mesa County jobless rate up, but improvement expected in 2013

Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment in Mesa County has increased for a third consecutive month, concluding a fourth quarter slowdown in hiring activity. But the jobless rate at the end of 2012 was still slightly lower than the end of 2011. Continued, albeit slow, improvement in labor conditions is expected for 2013. […]