To say that government plays too big of a part in daily life would be to grossly understate reality. Gallup recently reported a near record-high 34 percent of Americans cite the government, poor leadership or politicians as the most important problem currently facing the United States. Indeed, Gallup notes that in terms of responses to […]
Small Business Saturday has become an American tradition following the Thanksgiving holiday. Brick-and-mortar businesses promote their best deals of the year in hopes of luring shoppers from online purchases. It was not so long ago Americans visited locally-owned small retailers to purchase their gifts. Business owners decorated their shops with lights and ornaments or created […]
There are a lot of reasons to give thanks for Thanksgiving. Despite the stereotypes of political disagreements escalating into hockey brawls, I look forward to spending time with family. And then, of course, there’s all that food. Turkey and stuffing. Pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream. I even savor the green bean casserole — so […]
Although in this day and age of round-the-clock news, too much information based on misinformation and a seemingly unending barrage of what’s someone’s “truth,” it’s not getting any easier. Now I could write column after column until my retirement on individual topics related to the above statement, because, let’s face it, everyday there’s something to go […]
It’s probably easier in a place like the Grand Valley to a more accurately survey the landscape and recognize the fact most businesses are small businesses. That’s because small businesses fill the downtown shopping district, line thoroughfares like North Avenue and Patterson Road and populate manufacturing areas. The journal you’re holding in your hands or […]
By the time you read this, the ballot measures having to do with taxes — some which laughably read “without raising taxes …” — will be decided. It’s my sincere hope none of them pass. I have myriad reasons why — including the fact government simply can’t provide all it advertises, and it’s worse when […]
What, do you suppose, will be the most popular gifts this holiday season? Reviewing what’s hot and what’s not has become something of a journalistic tradition — as much a part of the holidays as fruitcake and, I contend, about as necessary. Should herd mentality play a role in what ought to be a thoughtful […]
The dark lining of the silver cloud of economic recovery in Mesa County has long been labor conditions. The frequent lament was Mesa County lagged behind other areas of Colorado with higher unemployment rates and slower job growth. Not anymore. According to the latest estimates from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, the seasonally […]
I’ve written it before and undoubtedly will write it again. The most rewarding aspect of my job as editor of a business journal is meeting entrepreneurs. If I’m fortunate, I learn a bit about entrepreneurs and their efforts and write stories about their ventures. If I’m really fortunate, I follow the growth of their companies […]
There’s some satisfaction that occurs when a plan comes together. Just ask those of a certain age who used to watch the “A Team” on television back in the early 1980s and eagerly listened for the catchphrase of the cigar-chomping leader of team, Col. “Hannibal” Smith. But there’s also something to be said for serendipity […]