Green business good business

David Miller quickly dispels what he considers the myth that green business practices aren’t good business practices. Efforts to save energy, water and other resources also save money, Miller says. Moreover, businesses that strive to protect the qualify of life of the communities in which they operate engender customers who feel the same way and […]

County sales tax collections up, but lodging tax collections down

Sales and use tax collections continue to climb in Mesa County, but lodging tax collections dropped after three straight months of increases compared to last year. According to a City of Grand Junction report for February, sales and use tax collections totalled $3.68 million. That’s a 15.5 percent increase over the February 2010 report. Year-over-year […]

Mesa County jobless rate declines in February

The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County slipped in February from a seasonal peak, confirming assessments that local labor conditions have improved since the beginning of the year. Gilbert Lujan, supervisor of the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction, expects the jobless rate to keep trending downward. “I think it will continue with the […]

Administrative Professionals Day event to offer information and inspiration

Kristin Hoaglund has received a jump start on career development as the youngest member of a local chapter of an association for administrative professionals. “It’s been a great benefit,” said Hoaglund, a credit administrator and 24-year-old president of the Book Cliff Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). Hoaglund said she’s gained knowledge […]

Economic development chief out to work some magic

As the new director of economic development in Colorado, Dwayne Romero doesn’t expect to wave a magic wand and instantly create jobs. Romero likes the symbolism, though, of working what he calls some “new magic” through creativity and collaboration in the face of limited resources. That’s why he’s brought a magic wand he borrowed from […]

Group promotes support for guard and reserve

Extended tours take a toll not only on members of the National Guard and Reserve deployed for active duty, but also the civilian employers for which they work. But an agency offers services to guard and reserve members as well as employers as part of efforts to promote support for employee participation in military service. […]

Internet strategies best tailored to businesses

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all Internet strategy for businesses. Rather, Internet strategies must be tailored for each business depending on how that business sells its products or services as well as who’s making the purchases, according to representatives from two Grand Junction marketing firms. “It’s different for every company,” said Matthew Breman, owner […]

Energy industry refutes “fracking” health effects

Even as natural gas companies hope to escalate extraction in Western Colorado this year, the companies continue to address environmental concerns and questions about potential effects on the health of people who live in the region. Environmental groups scrutinize the hydrofracturing process and fluids used to fracture rock to release gas. The companies often don’t […]

Chamber board endorses city council candidates

The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has endorsed candidates in two of three city council races in the municipal election. In the only contested race, the chamber board endorsed John Ballagh in his bid for election to an at-large seat on the council. Jim Doody, Aaron Norris, Jacob Richards and Joshua […]

Election decisions to affect businesses

Grand Junction voters will soon decide whether or not to ban medical marijuana businesses in the city. Voter also will determine whether or not to grant city franchise agreements with two utility companies. And in an area of downtown, residents and business and property owners there will decide whether or not to allow the Downtown […]