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 […]
A monthly index tracking business conditions in Colorado slipped in January, but still reflects economic growth driven in large part by the energy sector. The Business Conditions Index retreated 2.1 points, but at 57.5 continues to forecast growth. “The state’s large energy sector is pushing the state economy forward even as the construction industry weighs […]
After two months of gains to end 2011, a measure of consumer confidence begins the new year with a decline that reflects less upbeat assessments of business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) fell nearly four points to 61.1. The index advanced a total of almost 24 points […]
A measure of refinancing activity and home sales in Mesa County dropped during the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to the same quarter last year. With the decrease, the total number of deeds of trusts released in the county in 2011 dropped to a fraction of levels recorded only two or three years ago. According […]
The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has honored two companies, a married couple and long-time businessman for their economic and philanthropic contributions. The chamber selected West Star Aviation and Impact Promotions as its large and small business of the year, respectively. Jerome and Mary Gonzales were named citizens of the year. Denny Granum received […]
Colorado ranks 16th among the 50 states in the latest assessment of how taxes affect businesses. Colorado moved up one spot in the State Business Tax Climate Index for 2012 and continues to fare well overall for its comparatively low corporate, income and property tax rates. Compiled by the Tax Foundation — a nonprofit group […]
A revamped index forecasting economic performance in the United States continues to signal domestic growth even as the global outlook remains uncertain. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Index (LEI) rose four-tenths of a percent to 94.3 in December. The index has edged up only about a tenth of a percent over the […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Suzie Miller cites a number of statistical trends she believes reflect improving labor conditions in Mesa County. But one sure sign of better times, she says, is the return of an annual job fair, an event that will feature 40 companies looking to fill actual openings, not just collect applications […]
A woman with 30 years of experience working for the National Park Service in locations across the United States will take over in mid-February as the new superintendent of Colorado National Monument. Lisa Eckert has been appointed to succeed Joan Anzelmo, who retired last year. Eckert twice worked at the Colorado National Monument during her […]