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 […]
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 […]
Job growth in Colorado remains on pace to add about 35,000 positions by the end of the year, a gain that likely will rank among the top states nationally. Job growth also reflects economic growth, said Richard Wobbekind, an economist at the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado in Boulder. “You might […]
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 […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Despite some slowing in June, real estate activity in Mesa County during the first half of 2012 outpaced last year with increased sales and dollar volume. With a few caveats, continued improvement is expected for the remainder of the year. “We’re seeing definite […]
An index tracking optimism among Colorado business leaders reflects a less upbeat outlook for the third quarter, but positive expectations nonetheless. The Leeds Business Confidence Index fell nearly nine points from the second quarter. But at 53.6, the index remains higher than the 10-year average and still signals positive expectations overall. “While third-quarter data show […]
A monthly index tracking business conditions in Colorado has rebounded from a seven-month low on improving job growth and increased spending in the energy sector. The Business Conditions Index rose in June to 58.6, nearly three points above the reading for May, the lowest level since October. “Colorado’s job additions for 2012 are 10,000 greater […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Barb Bowman takes into account a number of factors in her upbeat assessment for travel and tourism business in the Grand Valley. The year is off to a comparatively good start, gasoline prices have dropped, pent-up demand for travel likely will be unleashed and a variety of upcoming events will […]
An upcoming seminar will offer information about how Colorado companies can tap into funding to help them develop agricultural exports. “I hope more Colorado companies will participate in this program,” said Colorado Agriculture Commissioner John Salazar. “Developing exports is critical to our state’s economy, and these funds can help companies develop or expand export markets.” […]
A new Web site offers information to Colorado farmers and food manufacturers to help them comply with regulations, ensure safety and quality and market their products. “Marketing and selling food products can be one of the most challenging aspects to a farm enterprise or food entrepreneur, especially when direct sales are involved,” said Wendy White, […]