A measure of future economic activity in the United States has increased for a fifth straight month, a sign the recovery could be gaining traction. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Index (LEI) climbed to 112.4 in November, up 1.1 percent. With a collective gain of 1 percent for October and September, the […]
The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County has bounced back to its highest level in eight months. According to the latest estimate from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, the unadjusted jobless rate in the county spiked seven-tenths to 9.8 percent in November. That’s the highest level since hitting 10.3 percent in March. For […]
Dale Beede believes his Grand Junction real estate firm remains well-positioned to take advantage of what he expects will be improving commercial and residential markets in 2011. A number of changes will help, Beede said, including a new management structure. Olan Clark has become the adminstrative broker for Coldwell Banker Home Owners Realty as well […]
Installation soon should be complete on a solar energy system at the Wine Country Inn. The photovoltaic system is being installed on the main guest house of the hotel complex in Palisade and is expected to reduce electricity costs as well as greenhouse gas emissions. “The owners decided that it made good economic as well […]
The latest results of a quarterly survey of small business owners reflect improving expectations for cash flow, revenues and capital spending. Assessments of both present conditions and future expectations were more upbeat in the Wells Fargo and Gallup Small Business Index for the fourth quarter. “The improvement in optimism among small business owners appears to […]
A monthly index tracking conditions for small businesses in Colorado has climbed to its highest level in nearly five years as the slowing pace of job losses buoys prospects for recovery. The Vectra Bank Colorado Small Business Index (SBI) rose more than two points in November to 105.8. With gains in each of the last […]
Colorado continues to rank among the most business-friendly states in the latest results of an annual comparison of how taxes and government policies affect small businesses and entrepreneurs. Colorado ranks 10th overall in the 2010 Small Business Survival Index with comparatively low taxes and government spending. Raymond Keating, the chief economist of the Small Business […]
Mesa County Commissioners have extended a job offer to an interim administrator who will oversee the county while they decide how — and if — to fill the position on a permanent basis. The commissioners expect to extend a formal written offer by the end of this week to Tom Papin to serve as interim […]
Mesa County reportedly is working to bring former local Department of Human Services Director Tom Papin back to Mesa County to act as interim county administrator. We’re awaiting response from our inquires to the county, and hope to have more under “breaking news” on our web site soon. County commissioners are decindg whether to hire […]
Colorado will experience slow and steady economic growth in 2011, according to the latest forecast prepared by an economist at the University of Colorado. “I think the overall economic picture for Colorado in 2011 is slow, steady growth — much like the national economy. We would all like a more rapid recovery, especially in terms […]