A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners remains stuck at an historically low level that reflects continued uncertainty over economic conditions. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Index of Small Business Optimism edged down a tenth of a point in May to 94.4. “In the last year, small business optimism […]
Powderhorn Mountain Resort atop the Grand Mesa skipped a downhill slide in reporting an increase in skiers and snowboarders last season even as other Colorado resorts experienced declines in the midst of an unusually dry and warm winter. “Much of the ski industry in the U.S. was confronted with weather challenges last year. But several […]
Dale Beede enumerates the goals he achieved in purchasing a new car that runs on compressed natural gas. Support the energy industry that supports his commercial real estate firm. Check. Help reduce dependence on foreign oil, if only a little bit. Check. Reduce automotive emissions. Check. Save money. Check. “This was a win-win for me,” […]
Coal mining rebounded in Colorado in 2011 even as payrolls increased and the state returned to the ranks of the top producers nationwide. Production remains well below levels of six years ago, however, and the outlook remains uncertain given the threat of government regulations that could curtail the use of coal in power plants to […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times: The pace of real estate activity in Mesa County has picked up with year-over-year gains in sales and dollar volume of about 30 percent in May. What’s more, higher sales and lower inventories have combined to push up home prices. “It is picking up a smidge more momentum,” said Annette […]
A monthly index tracking business conditions in Colorado has slipped to its lowest level in seven months, but continues to forecast growth. The Business Conditions Index fell more than three points to 55.7 in May. With losses in each of the past two months, the index has dropped to its lowest level since it stood […]
Job growth continues to slow in the United States, according to government estimates that reflect shrinking monthly gains in payrolls. The Labor Department reported that nonfarm payrolls rose just 69,000 in May. Initial estimates for payroll gains in April and March were revised downward a total of 49,000. Meanwhile, the U.S. unemployment rate edged up […]
Two new programs offer a total of $17 million in funding to help small businesses in Colorado secure capital. The programs — Colorado Capital Access and Cash Collateral Support — are designed to help businesses with 750 or fewer employees obtain loans from their local banks for working capital, inventory, real estate or equipment purchases […]
Wells Fargo was the top lender in Colorado and Timberline Bank the top lender in Mesa County for a popular government-backed business financing program through the first half of the 2012 fiscal year. According to figures from the U.S. Small Business Administration office in Denver, Wells Fargo issued 117 loans worth a collective $35.8 million […]
A Grand Junction program offering housing and other services to adults with traumatic brain injuries has earned accreditation for another three years. The Hilltop Life Adjustment Program has earned its sixth three-year accreditation from CARF International. The Hilltop program has been continuously accredited by CARF International since 1997. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on […]