Rising leading index signals economic expansion in U.S.

A monthly indicator of future economic performance in the United States continues to rise, signaling expansion in coming months. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Index (LEI) edged up a tenth of a percent to 112.3 in January. The latest gain follows a combined increase of 1.9 percent in the previous two months. […]

Mesa County tax report reflects year-over-year increase in consumer spending for December.

Consumer spending increased in Mesa County during December compared to a year ago, the first such increase for the holiday shopping month since 2007. According to the January tax report, which reflects spending in December, Mesa County collected $3.41 million in sales taxes. That’s a 0.51 percent increase over the same month last year. January […]

Mesa County foreclosure activity down for December, but up for 2010

While property foreclosure activity slowed in Mesa County in December, proportional increases in year-end totals for foreclosure listings and sales were far greater than in any of 11 other metropolitan counties in Colorado. According to the latest statistics from the Colorado Division of Housing, 128 foreclosure filings and 69 foreclosure sales were reported in Mesa […]

Setting goals? “After you think big, think bigger”

Tom Sawyer envisions a time early next year when his Grand Junction-based marketing firm will enjoy a national presence. He sees account managers communicating with clients across the country and feels what it’s like to work at such an operation. But that’s not all. Sawyer also plans to write a second business book in part […]

Colorado small business index climbs to highest level in more than five years

A monthly measure of economic conditions for small businesses in Colorado has climbed to its highest level in more than five years, forecasting a more robust recovery that includes job growth. “Colorado’s swing from net job losses during the most recent 12-month period to net job gains should continue in coming months. Colorado’s economic recovery […]