Staging a career? Arts training develops key skills

So you have a degree in art, theater or dance. Now what? As head of the theater department at Mesa State College, Tim Pinnow is used to hearing such questions. They can come from students worried about paying the bills while also pursuing a career they enjoy. They can come from parents worried about whether […]

Plans under way to expand historic downtown theater

It’s been the venue for movies, traveling entertainers and the local symphony orchestra. The historic Avalon Theater also is billed as one of the anchors of downtown Grand Junction, standing as a link between performances of yesteryear and the performances of today and offering an artistic complement to the restaurants, retail stores and offices that […]

Blooming business: Gardens grow economic benefits

Late spring and early summer offer a bounty of colorful art in the Grand Valley. From the natural art of blooming plants to human-made sculptures and collector’s items, gardens across the valley provide a refreshing break from the daily routine. Early June marked the 20th anniversary of the Grand Valley Garden Tour, an opportunity to […]

On the wagon or not? Buy local campaign has supporters and detractors

On the wagon or not? Buy local campaign has supporters and detractors

The Blue Band Wagon campaign in Mesa County celebrated its first anniversary with public fanfare and support from businesses and local media. Similar to campaigns across the country that encourage people to buy products in the communities in which they live, the effort launched by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce seeks to circulate […]

Aging Colorado losing demographic “dividend”

Aging Colorado losing demographic “dividend”

When it comes to creating a strong business climate and increasing the output of goods and services, communities envy the 35- to 65-year-old age group. Colorado has an advantage over many states in that it’s attracted young people in the 20- to 40-year-old range over the past few decades, feeding into the group that generally […]

State to bill businesses to pay back jobless benefits loan

Business owners in Colorado who’ve had at least one claim for unemployment insurance benefits filed against them face an unexpected bill in July. The bill from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) purportedly will help the state make interest payments on funds the state borrowed from the federal government last year to pay […]

Improving vision a step-by-step process

Do you remember what prompted you to go into business for yourself? Have you stayed true to that initial vision? Do you even have a vision for your business? Challenging economic times require a clearly defined company vision and a well thought out strategy to achieve that vision. Successful business owners and executives understand that […]

How firms can Cs the day: SBA resources focus on capital, contracts, counseling

Although I’m relatively new to the U.S. Small Business Administration, I’m not new to the issues facing small businesses. I operated a family owned office furniture store in Fargo, N.D., for more than 30 years. While the business survived the recession, it continues to face many challenges, including access to capital. The recent economic downturn […]

Want to sell to the government? Help’s available

The federal government purchases more than $115 billion worth of goods and services each year from small business prime contractors. By law, the government must buy no less than 23 percent from small businesses. To be successful in federal contracting, you need to keep up with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). For more information, log on […]

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