Consumer confidence rises on more upbeat expectations

A measure of consumer confidence has increased on more upbeat expectations for improving business and labor conditions, ending a four-month decline. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) rose more than three points in July to 65.9. A component of the CCI tracking consumers’ short-term outlook advanced, while a component of the […]

West Slope collaboration earns award

A collaborative effort among six Western Colorado counties to pool public and environmental health services has earned statewide recognition along with a $25,000 award. The West Central Public Health Partnership (WCPHP) received the Grantee Leadership Award and money from the Colorado Trust. Formed in 2006, the WCPHP pools the public and environmental health services of […]

Library branch moving to temporary quarters

The central branch of the Mesa County Library in downtown Grand Junction soon will relocate to temporary quarters to accommodate an expansion and improvement project. Materials, equipment and operations at the central branch of the library at 530 Grand Ave. will move to a building at 655 N. First St. that formerly housed Ashley Furniture. […]

Report: Activities on Interior lands add $14.4 billion to state economy

Energy development, outdoor recreation, tourism and other activities on lands administered by the Department of the Interior contributed more than $14.4 billion to the Colorado economy during the 2011 fiscal year, according to new report from the federal agency. Nationwide, economic benefits totalled $385 billion. “The Interior Department has a uniquely diverse mission that benefits […]

Rocky Mountain Heath Plans joins in integrated health care project

Rocky Mountain Health Plans has joined in a project to test a  new effort to integrate treatment for mental illnesses and behavioral disorders with primary health care. With funding from the Colorado Health Foundation, the Grand Junction-based health care benefits plan provider will participate in the project with the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association and University […]

West Slope businesses eligible for disaster loans

Small businesses in four Western Colorado counties, including Mesa County, are eligible for a federal loans to help offset losses related to drought conditions. Alfred Judd, director of the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster field operations center in  the West, announced the availability of loans to businesses in Delta County as well as Gunnison, Mesa […]

Selling to the government: Program offers help

Selling to the government: Program offers help

Phil Castle, The Business Times As if a $20 billion market isn’t tempting enough for business owners and managers looking for new customers for their products and services, how about a $500 billion market? The first number is the total dollar volume of state government contracts awarded each year in Colorado. The second number is […]

Despite June jobless jump, labor demand strong in Mesa County

Phil Castle, The Business Times:  The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County has spiked once again on a seasonal influx of people searching for summer jobs. Labor demand remains strong, however, with increases in posted job openings. According to estimates from the Colorado Department of Labor, the seasonally unadjusted jobless rate in Mesa County jumped […]