Phil Castle, The Business Times: Thanks in part to gains in November, real estate sales in Mesa County have rebounded to their highest level since 2008. With a month left to go in 2012, real estate transactions already exceed year-end totals for the past three years. Moreover, the combined dollar volume of sales so far […]
A monthly index tracking business conditions in Colorado continues to seesaw, with the latest reading slipping on reported declines in new orders, sales and employment. What hasn’t changed is the forecast for growth in the months ahead. The Business Conditions Index fell nearly two points in November to 54.9. The index has alternated between increases […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Glenn Vawter recalls a college field trip to Western Colorado during which a professor pointed out a rock formation and said oil shale development could solve the nation’s energy problems. More than 50 years later, Vawter remains convinced it’ll happen. “I’m still optimistic we’ll use this large resource someday.” The […]
A Hotchkiss company has received a nearly $8.7 million federal contract to clear trees in a national forest as part of efforts to combat a pine beetle epidemic in the region. Some of the wood that’s removed will serve as fuel for a power plant planned for Gypsum. West Range Reclamation won an $8.66 million […]
A monthly measure of consumer confidence has climbed to its highest level in nearly five years on increasingly upbeat expectations for improving business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index advanced another six-tenths of a point in November to 73.7. That’s the highest reading since the CCI stood at 76.4 […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Newly installed outdoor lights tap the power of the sun during the day to illuminate an automobile dealership through the night. The lights constitute a first for the Grand Junction company that installed them and also represent the increasingly diverse ways in which solar power can be used. Simplicity Solar […]
An index forecasting economic performance in the United States has edged up, signaling modest growth in the months ahead. A number of factors could change the outlook, though, including the effects of Hurricane Sandy and a looming “fiscal cliff” of federal tax increases and spending cuts. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Indicator […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Holiday shoppers eager to bag Black Friday bargains will find an accommodating venue at the Mesa Mall in Grand Junction. Most of the merchants at the mall are scheduled to open at the stroke of midnight on Nov. 23. But Black Friday starts on a Thursday this year when Sears […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Mesa County officials have revised downward their projection for sales tax revenue after collections dropped on a year-over-year basis for a fourth consecutive month. Combined sales and use tax collections for the City of Grand Junction have declined for three straight months. Year-to-date tax collections for the county and city […]
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is seeking nominations for its Wildlife Landowner of the Year Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions made by private landowners to conserving wildlife, enhancing wildlife habitat and providing public access for hunting and fishing. The winner will be honored at a banquet and an awards ceremony during the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association […]