Phil Castle, The Business Times Nate and Wendy Gill have launched a product they expect to bring smiles to a lot of customers. But the Gills can’t help but smile themselves in pondering the potential for their new venture. The entrepreneurial couple has developed a kit that enables people to temporarily attach small crystals to […]
A measure of pending construction activity in the United States has increased, but uncertainty continues to hamper recovery in the industry. The Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) grew to eight months for the third quarter, a 3.5 percent increase. The CBI measures the amount of nonresidential construction work under […]
Colorado employers face another increase in workers’ compensation insurance premiums. The Colorado Division of Insurance announced that the “loss costs” component of premiums will increase 5.2 percent in 2013. Loss costs take into account the average cost of lost wages and medical payments of workers injured on the job. Loss costs are one factor used in […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has edged up, but remains at a recessionary level that reflects record-level uncertainty. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index rose three-tenths of a point in October. But at 93.1, the latest reading remains well below a pre-recession average of […]
The leaders of a new organization vow to pursue a proactive role in determining how public policies affect Western Colorado businesses. Michael Anton, president of the Western Colorado Business Alliance, said the group will strive to address the growing effects of elections, regulation and legislation on businesses in the region. “That’s what caused this organization […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times A Grand Junction metal finishing company plans to earn certification that will enable the firm to expand its services to aerospace and aviation manufacturers. The Grand Junction Economic Partnership will help fund the effort as part of a broader economic development initiative to assist existing manufacturers as well as attract […]
A measure of refinancing and real estate sales has increased in Mesa County. According to the latest information from the Colorado Division of Housing, the Mesa County public trustee’s office released 1,635 deeds of trust during the third quarter. That number constitutes a nearly 9 percent increase over the second quarter and an almost 22 percent […]
While property foreclosure activity slowed during the third quarter compared to last year, Mesa County continued to experience the highest foreclosure rate among metropolitan counties in Colorado. According to the latest statistics from the Colorado Division of Housing, 288 property foreclosure filings and 224 foreclosure sales were reported in Mesa County during the third quarter. […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Like plundering pirates or game-winning quarterbacks, depending on the preferred metaphor, the Grand Junction Economic Partnership has adopted a more proactive role, according to the leaders of the economic development organization. John Williams, chairman of the GJEP board, and Kelly Flenniken, executive director of the organization, discussed the changes during […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times The latest numbers extend what’s been a trend of growth in real estate activity in Mesa County. It’s a trend Annette Miller fully expects to continue next year. “I’d like to see more of the same in 2013.” Miller, senior vice president of Heritage Title Co. in Grand Junction and a […]