Local stations compete in television ratings race

November is one of those months in the television industry when prime time programs can be a little spicier and newscasts feature enticing special reports. It’s a Nielsen ratings month, when the national company surveys households to determine viewership for various programs. The results also determine what networks and local TV stations charge for commercial […]

Williams diversifies with major oil play

Williams has announced a deal to acquire more than 85,000 acres in one of the biggest onshore oil plays in the country in a move to more than triple oil production for a company better known in Western Colorado for developing natural gas. Williams announced an agreement to acquire from private owners a total of […]

Mesa County foreclosures rise again in third quarter

Foreclosure activity continued to increase in Mesa County during the third quarter, with foreclosure filings and sales both up from last year. With the latest increases, Mesa County ranked third among the most populous counties in Colorado for the highest foreclosure rate. According to statistics reported by the Colorado Division of Housing, 451 foreclosure filings […]

County sales tax revenues up second straight month

For a second straight month, Mesa County has reported an increase in sales tax collections over last year. According to the October report, which reflects consumer spending the month before, the county collected $2.96 million in sales tax revenues. That’s a 3.15 percent increase over the report for October 2009. However, October 2010 revenues were down […]

City proceeds with public safety initiative

Construction is expected to begin in April on a project to replace and renovate aging police and fire department facilities in Grand Junction. The Grand Junction City Council has directed city staff to proceed with a public safety project to build a new building for police and an emergency dispatch center as well as remodel […]

Western Slope energy outlook: Multiple factors affect industry

Global energy consumption is sure to increase, especially with emerging markets in China and India. And a bevy of  discoveries of natural gas deposits portends well for that particular segment of the energy business. However, with natural gas prices at lower levels than during the boom days of 2005 to 2007, companies face a bit […]

Women Networking: Still relevant in 21st Century? Mixed reaction from women business leaders in Mesa County

Women’s organizations are still prevalent across the country and in the Grand Valley. Yet, in light of the strides women have made in the workplace over the past 50 years, are such organizations relevant or even necessary in 2010? “I have never found women networking groups to meet my personal needs,” said Diane Schwenke, executive […]

Colorado business group seeks input on lobbying

The answers to five questions posed to members of a small business advocacy organization in Colorado will determine how the group lobbies during the upcoming legislative session. The questions deal with a range of issues, among them health care, immigration and taxes. Tony Gagliardi, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in […]