Deed releases up in third quarter, but still reflect slowdown

Phil Castle, The Business Times:  A measure of refinancing activity and home sales in Mesa County surged during the third quarter compared to the same span last year. But even with the increase, the number of deeds of trust released in the county remain far below levels of two and three years ago. “It’s an […]

Coal companies seek to extend mining operations

Phil Castle, The Business Times A company plans exploratory drilling in the summer as part of efforts that could lead to the opening of a large underground coal mine that extends production in the North Fork Valley of Western Colorado. A nearby mining company has similar plans to modify federal leases and explore for additional reserves […]

Tax reports: Collections down in November, but still up for 2011

Phil Castle, The Business Times:  Monthly sales tax collections dropped more than 7 percent in Mesa County for November, ending a 14-month string of year-over-year increases. Sales and use tax collections also fell for the City of Grand Junction, although the decline was smaller. Still, year-to-date tax collections in the county and city remain well […]

Small Business Optimism Index up for a third straight month

A measure of confidence among small business owners has advanced for a third straight month on growing expectations for improving conditions and sales. The latest reading remains below the level reported in February, though, as well as average readings before the recession. “We should be encouraged, but cautiously so,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist of […]

2012 Mesa County budget: Operational spending down, capital spending up

Mesa County will continue to cut spending for operations in 2012 to accommodate an expected decline in property tax revenues. Spending for capital projects will increase, however, along with an anticipated gain in sales tax revenues. The Mesa County commissioners approved general fund and capital budgets that total nearly $90.5 million for the coming year. […]

Four join new management team at Powderhorn resort.

Four people have joined a new management team assembled to operate Powderhorn Mountain Resort in its first season under new ownership. Sam Williams has been hired as mountain operations manager, while Dave Smith has been hired as slope operations manager. Tricia Tittle is the new sales and communications manager and Steve Gould the new food […]

Colorado Small Business Index slips

A monthly measure of economic conditions for small businesses in Colorado has slipped, although job growth has accelerated and financing costs remain low. The Vectra Bank Colorado Small Business Index (SBI) fell to 114.2 in November, down four-tenths from a revised 114.6 in October. With losses in six out of the last eight months, the […]

Ready for retirement? Envision a lifestyle and invest accordingly

You might have read or heard that you need to replace about 80 percent of your preretirement income to maintain your standard of living in retirement. Although some research validates this guideline, consider that half of today’s retirees say their spending is higher or about the same as it was when they were working. The […]

Open house kicks off work on a downtown plan

The first in a series of public meetings officially kicks off the process of developing an updated city plan for the greater downtown area of Grand Junction. The Grand Junction Public Works and Planning Department has scheduled an initial open house for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8 in the Whitman Building at 248 S. […]