A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners continues to increase. But with levels higher a year ago, a significantly more upbeat outlook has yet to emerge. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index edged up a tenth of a point in January to 93.9. But even with gains in […]
A monthly index tracking conditions for small businesses in Colorado increased in January, kicking off a year in which most economic growth is expected to come from within the state. “Most of Colorado’s 2012 economic growth will be generated internally, as the overall U.S. economy will provide little boost,” said Jeff Thredgold, a corporate economist […]
Twenty-five food service businesses in Mesa County have earned awards in an annual program recognizing superior sanitation practices. The Mesa County Board of Health presents Blue Ribbon Awards to food service businesses that receive no violations of a critical nature during inspections conducted during the calendar year. To qualify for the awards, businesses must provide […]
Old West Oil Field Services, a Grand Junction-based drilling services company, has been acquired by a North Dakota-based firm. Headquartered in Belfield, N.D., MBI Energy Services provides a range of services to the drilling industry, including waste fluid disposal, workover and wireline services. MBI also provides short-haul crude oil trucking. The company ranks among the […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Bob Rubin said he’s been pleasantly surprised by the response he’s received so far to a marketing venture he’s helping to launch in the Grand Valley. “It’s been much better than I anticipated. Everybody is listening. Everybody is talking to me,” said Rubin, co-owner of Coupon Madness Magazine. Rubin has […]
Craig Hall, The Business Times George Rossman envisions Western Colorado as a hub for innovation, technological advancements and other opportunities for energy production. Even as the West Slope plays an important role in increasing energy independence with traditional energy sources, the region also is involved in the transition to alternative energy, Rossman said. That’s why […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Public backlash from business owners and residents has convinced officials to scrap plans to relocate the Greyhound bus station. The Grand Valley Regional Transportation Committee, a four-member board that oversees Grand Valley Transit, voted unanimously this afternoon to approve a resolution to continue initial planning on a new GVT transfer station […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times: Annette Miller believes 2012 could be the year the inventory of foreclosed properties shrinks to the point real estate prices finally rebound in Mesa County. “I don’t know if 2012 is going to be the magic year, but we’ll continue to watch it closely,” said Miller, senior vice president of […]
Job growth continues to accelerate in the United States even as the jobless rate drops. According to the latest Labor Department estimates, nonfarm payrolls grew 243,000 in January as the unemployment rate edged down two-tenths to 8.3 percent. The January increase was the largest monthly gain in payrolls in nine months. The jobless rate has […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Even as workers install solar panels on the roof above his office, Ed Wieland cites the benefits of a massive project to Mesa Developmental Services. Once photovoltaic panels have been installed on 14 MDS buildings in the Grand Valley, the nonprofit organization will save an estimated $47,000 a year in reduced […]