West Slope energy trade association elects new president

An environmental and governmental affairs liaison with a Colorado-based energy exploration and production company has been elected president of a Western Colorado trade association. Doug Dennison has been elected to serve the next two years as president of the Western Slope Colorado Oil and Gas Association (WSCOGA). Dennison works for Bill Barrett Corp., a Denver-based […]

Leading index signals continued growth in U.S.

A monthly index forecasting economic performance in the United States continues to signal growth, although concerns persist a European recession could hamper a more robust recovery. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Indicator (LEI) rose five-tenths of a percent to 118 in November. With a full-point gain over the previous two months, the […]

A deputy city manager will become acting city manager as part of a transition plan approved by the Grand Junction City Council.

Rich Englehart will serve as acting city manager until a manager is selected on a permanent basis. Englehart has served as deputy manager since September 2007. The move follows the resignation of City Manager Laurie Kadrich at the request of the council. According to a news release from the city, the council wants to go […]

$154 million city budget approved

Spending is expected to increase slightly for the City of Grand Junction next year, with most of that increase budgeted for new capital projects. The Grand Junction City Council approved a 2012 budget of $154 million, an increase of nearly $8 million over the 2011 budget that reflects slight increases in projected revenues. “The City […]

University obtains grant to fund energy initiative

Colorado Mesa University expects to use a $1.6 million grant to fund an initiative to promote energy research and development. The Mesa County Federal Mineral Lease District Board of Directors voted to award the full allocation of funding it received from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to the university. CMU applied for the grant […]

Mesa County labor market holds steady

Phil Castle, The Business Times:  The Mesa County unemployment rate remains unchanged at 8.5 percent for a third straight month, a flat line on a graph that’s seen as an encouraging indicator of more stability in the local labor market. “We could be seeing some trends that the whole economic picture is improving …. or […]

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 […]