A measure of consumer confidence has rebounded to its highest level in seven months on more upbeat assessments of business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index (CCI), jumped nine points in September to 70.3. That’s the highest reading since the CCI stood at 71.6 in February. “Consumers were more […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County has dropped below 9 percent for the first time this year as the latest labor estimate finally reflects what’s been rising labor demand. There’s hope, too, that hiring at several new retailers will lead to additional jobs elsewhere and the start of a […]
Property foreclosure filings continue to increase in Mesa County at the fastest pace of any of 12 metropolitan counties in Colorado. Foreclosure sales have relented, however, and Mesa County moved from first to second in a ranking of the highest foreclosure rates in the 12 counties in August. According to the latest statistics from the […]
An index forecasting economic performance in the United States has declined for a third time in six months, signaling only slow growth in the months ahead. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Indicator (LEI) dipped a tenth of a percent to 95.7 in August. Separate measures of current and past economic performance edged […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times The pace of sales tax collections, a key indicator of retail sales, continues to slow with year-over-year decreases in both Grand Junction and Mesa County. According to its latest monthly report, sales and use tax collections in the city dropped 2 percent, the first decline since November. Sale tax collections in […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times: Colorado Mesa University has named its nursing school after an entrepreneurial and philanthropic couple who’ve long supported the university. A new sign designating the Moss School of Nursing at the Maverick Center was unveiled at the conclusion of a brief ceremony on the Grand Junction campus. The name honors John […]
A state representative from Grand Junction seeking election to a second term is among 49 legislative candidates who’ve received endorsements from the National Federation of Independent Business. Ray Scott, a Republican running in House District 55, is among 21 incumbents in 38 House races to receive endorsements from the NFIB, a small business advocacy group […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Repeatedly punching the delete key won’t permanently erase data from a computer. Shredding the hard drive into so much metal confetti, on the other hand, assures certain destruction of electronic files, including confidential financial and medical records. Given the growing threat of theft of sensitive data and increasingly stringent laws […]
Family Health West has opened a pediatric rehabilitation center as part of its growing health care operation in Fruita. “The goal of Family Health West’s pediatric rehabilitation is to help children better participate in life so they can play, learn and grow,” said Mark Francis, president and chief executive officer of Family Health West. The […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Dean DiDario expects to put $50,000 from the City of Grand Junction to quick use in helping to finance businesses and, in turn, create jobs. DiDario has other aspirations for the growing support for the 26-year-old loan program he oversees at the Business Incubator Center. “We hope it’s the beginning […]