CEO survey: View from the top less optimistic

A measure of confidence among business executives dropped during the second quarter on less upbeat assessments for current economic conditions as well as expectations for the next six months. The Conference Board reported that its Measure of CEO Confidence fell to 47, down 16 points from the first quarter. A reading below 50 reflects more […]

Grants help Palisade firms go green, save green

Phil Castle, The Business Times Theresa High owns and manages a business that essentially turns sunshine into products — more specifically apricots, cherries, peaches and wine grapes as well as an assortment of garden vegetables. So it only makes sense, High said, to harness the sun in other ways, including generating the electricity that powers […]

Companies join in wildfire relief efforts

Colorado companies, including those with operations in the Grand Valley, have joined in relief efforts for the victims of wildfires that have destroyed hundreds of homes in the state. Wells Fargo & Co. has contributed $100,000 to support the relief efforts of the American Red Cross. In addition, Wells Fargo customers also can donate to […]

Health care court ruling prompts more debate

              Phil Castle, The Business Times Depending on who you talk to, the Supreme Court ruling upholding federal health care legislation constitutes a disappointing decision that will impose one of the largest tax increases in U.S. history, a move that stabilizes the framework under which the health care system […]

Mesa County offers online development review

The Mesa County Planning Division expects to soon offer an online development review process designed to offer more speed and convenience as well as cut costs. “We expect the new process to result in time- and cost-savings for applicants and for our staff,” said Mesa County Commissioner Craig Meis. “This is another step toward offering […]

Small business optimism index falls to eight-month low

A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has dropped to its lowest level in eight months on less upbeat expectations for everything from capital outlays and hiring to sales and profits. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Index of Small Business Optimism fell three points in June to 91.4. The […]

Former Jobsite building purchased

Phil Castle, The Business Times A large building that once housed an equipment manufacturer has been sold and leased to a growing energy services company. Katie Worrall, an agent with Re/Max Commercial in Grand Junction involved with the transaction, said the deal constitutes a good fit between the Montrose real estate development group that bought […]

U.S. job growth turns sluggish

Job growth that appeared promising earlier this year has turned sluggish. According to the latest Labor Department Estimates, nonfarm payrolls grew only 80,000 in June as the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 8.2 percent. What initially was estimated as a gain of 69,000 jobs in May was revised upward to 77,000. But the estimate for […]