Small business group challenges health care law, but favors exchange

Phil Castle The Business Times While the National Federation of Independent Business challenges the constitutionality of federal health care legislation, the small business advocacy group also supports the development of a health benefits exchange in Colorado. Tony Gagliardi, state director of the NFIB in Colorado, said the exchange could offer lower insurance premiums to small […]

Computers bring virtual workforce centers to Colorado libraries

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has introduced computer work stations called virtual workforce centers at more than 40 participating libraries across Colorado. The virtual workforce centers will allow library patrons to tap into a wide range of job search resources and information. “Each virtual workforce center has an interactive screen that makes getting […]

Small business group seeks regulatory relief

Tony Gagliardi spends his winters and springs lobbying at the Colorado Capitol and his summers and falls talking to small business owners across the state. One thing has everything to do with the other. As state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, Gagliardi bases his lobbying efforts on what he hears from owners […]

Grand Junction apartment update: Vacancies steady, rents down

Apartment vacancy rates held steady in Grand Junction during the second quarter at their lowest level in two years even as average rents dropped nearly $26. According to the latest results of a quarterly survey conducted for the Colorado Division of Housing, the average apartment vacancy rate in Grand Junction remained unchanged at 6.3 percent. […]

Mesa County labor trends offer some encouragement

The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County retreated in July even as increasing labor demand in several industry sectors offers encouraging signs of job growth. “I think it’s going to be slow growth. But I think we’re at a point where we’re going to see some growth,” said Suzie Miller, an employment specialist with the […]

Leading index continues to forecast U.S. growth

A monthly measure of future economic activity in the United States continues to rise, signalling growth despite weakness in some leading indicators and recent volatility in financial markets. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Indicator (LEI) advanced a half a percent to 115.8 in July. The latest gain follows an increase of a […]

Free guidebook covers estate planning basics

A free guidebook offering revised information about estate planning and assisted living is available from a Grand Junction lawyer. The guidebook, prepared by the law office of Billie M. Castle, covers the basics of wills and trusts as well as advance directives, long-term care planning, Medicaid eligibility and probates. In addition, the guidebook includes an […]

Outdoor supplier donates $20,000 to Grand Valley groups

An outdoor equipment and sporting goods store has donated a total of $20,000 to four Grand Valley organizations as part of an annual nationwide grant program to preserve and maintain natural spaces through active volunteer programs. Recreation Equipment Inc. (REI) donated $5,000 grants to the Colorado Canyons Association, Colorado National Monument Association, Colorado Plateau Mountain […]

Mesa County hires new IT director

A man who managed information technology systems for colleges and universities around the country, soon will begin working as the new director of the Mesa County Information Technology Department. Frank Whidden is expected to begin his new position Aug. 22. Mesa County Administrator Chantal Unfug announced Whidden’s selection. “Frank has the expertise to guide our […]