A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has increased for a sixth consecutive month despite mixed outlooks for economic conditions, staffing, sales and earnings. The National Federation of Independent Business Reported that its Small Business Optimism Index advanced four-tenths of a point to 94.3 in February. With gains in each of the last […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times While the monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County spiked once again in January, labor demand as measured by a separate indicator since has increased to its highest level in four years. According to the latest estimates from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), the seasonally unadjusted jobless rate […]
A monthly index tracking labor trends continues to rise, forecasting what could be more robust job growth in the United States. The Conference Board reported that its Employment Trends Index (ETI) advanced almost 1.4 percent to 107.46 in February. The index is up more than 6 percent from the same month a year ago. “The […]
U.S. payroll gains have topped 200,000 for three consecutive months. But with more people back in the hunt for jobs, the unemployment rate remains unchanged. According to the latest Labor Department estimates, nonfarm payrolls rose 227,000 in February with gains spread across a range of industry sectors. Initial estimates for job gains for the previous […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Increasing production of oil and natural gas from unconventional plays in the United States and the development of oil sands in Canada have substantially decreased the risk the U.S. won’t keep pace with growing energy demands. Still, far more could be done to tap ample resources to not only meet […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times A decline in apartment vacancy rates during what’s typically one of the slowest periods of the year indicates increasing activity in the Grand Junction market. “From a rental standpoint, I think we’re very healthy,” said Cindy Hoppe, manager of Bray Property Management in Grand Junction. According to the latest results […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times: While low prices pose a short-term challenge to production, natural gas remains an important long-term component of what John Felmy describes as an all-of-the-above approach to meeting future energy needs. There’s a possibility, in fact, North America could become self-sufficient by 2024. But even as technological advances have substantially increased […]
Proposals will be accepted through April 4 for a grant program that promotes the development of specialty crops in Colorado. “Specialty crops are an important part of Colorado’s agriculture industry. These funds will help develop and promote the state’s diverse specialty crops,” said Tom Lipetzky, director of the markets division of the Colorado Department of […]
Registration remains open for an upcoming conference offering participants a better understanding of the federal legislative process. Applications will be accepted through March 16 for the 2012 Colorado Capital Conference. The conference is scheduled for June 5 to 7 in Washington, D.C. The event will accommodate 100 Colorado residents who will interact with members of […]
The Grand Valley bus system has extended its hours and increased service along one of its busiest routes. The changes are scheduled to go into effect March 12. Free bus service will be offered from March 12 to 17 to encourage the public to try out the new hours and services. Operational hours will run […]