Economic outlook for 2012: slow, but steady, growth

Having experienced the full effects of the recession later than other areas of Colorado, Mesa County has been late in regaining ground lost during the downturn. But growth in wages and expanding energy exploration and production bode well for a slow, but steady, recovery in 2012, according to an annual economic forecast prepared at the […]

Express gives back

Craig Hall, The Business Times           When it comes to cheer and dance groups in the Colorado, and even across the nation, few, if any, can compare to the success of the Express All Stars. Directed by Tena Pruess, Express All Stars also strives to excel beyond the stage with its Express […]

Small business group polls Colorado members to determine lobbying positions

Phil Castle, The Business Times  The budget, unemployment benefits and labor laws likely will rank among the top issues for a small business advocacy organization lobbying at the Colorado Capitol during the upcoming legislative session. The answers to five questions posed to members of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in the state will help […]

Colorado Business Index advances

An index tracking business conditions in Colorado has rebounded to its highest level in six months, although more jobs still are needed to regain those lost during the recession. The Business Conditions Index rose nearly three points in November to 56.2. Gains in each of the last two months have pushed the index to its […]

Colorado ranks among most business-friendly states

Colorado continues to rank among the most business-friendly states in the latest results of an annual comparison of how taxes and government policies affect small businesses and entrepreneurs. Colorado ranks ninth overall in the 2011 Small Business Survival Index on the basis of comparatively low taxes. The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council — a small […]

Electric vehicles tap solar power

Phil Castle, The Business Times What could be better than an electric vehicle to reduce emissions and expenses? How about an electric vehicle with solar panels on top? A Grand Junction-based electric vehicle manufacturer has endorsed a canopy with two solar panels that generate electricity to extend the range of the vehicle as well as its […]

Just in time for the holidays, more cheer than fear

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, a monthly measure of consumer confidence reflects more cheer than fear. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index surged more than 15 points to 56 in November on more optimistic assessments of current and future business and labor conditions. “Consumers appear to be entering the […]

Coach earns global award for helping clients achieve success

Phil Castle, The Business Times Clearly, it’s fun being Marcus Straub. Straub is founder and chief executive officer of a Grand Junction-based coaching and consulting firm called, appropriately enough, Life is Great! The Coaching Institute recently selected him as its 2011 International Coach of the Year. In addition to coaching and consulting, Straub has developed […]

American National Bank plans to shorten its name

A bank that operates locations in Grand Junction and other Western Colorado communities plans to soon change its name and some services, but not its ownership. Effective Dec. 30, American National Bank will become ANB Bank, said Donald Sturm, the chairman and chief executive officer of the bank. “We’re matching our new name with the […]