For people who’ve lived through the boom and bust of energy development in Western Colorado, the scenario sounds all too familiar. A small city experiences a dramatic increase in high-paying jobs. The unemployment rate drops as workers flood to energy jobs. Opportunities abound for businesses that build and sell houses, broker mortgages and provide basic […]
It’s sometimes considered one of the soft drivers in a community — an industry that provides plenty of intellectual and emotional inspiration, but one whose economic effects can be hard to quantify. Even as various organizations promote the artistic and cultural benefits of a small city in Western Colorado, they realize support for the arts […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Nearly three-quarters of the way through the 2011 fiscal year, a total of 20 loans worth a collective $4 million has been approved in Mesa County through two programs backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Those who work with SBA programs say lending activity has picked up, especially among larger businesses taking advantage of […]
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 […]