Phil Castle, Business Times Real estate activity continues to slow in Mesa County compared to what was a more active market a year ago. But sales picked up between February and March, a trend that’s expected to continue into the spring and summer as pent-up demand counters the effects of higher interest rates on mortgages. […]
Juliet famously asks Romeo in the second act of the eponymous Shakespeare play: “What’s in a name?” Her answer in part: “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” She means, of course, Romeo would remain the young man she loves even if he weren’t a Montague and a […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Technological advances that have turned what are ostensibly telephones into cameras also have made photography less challenging. But H.L. Sanders contends there’s more to creating quality images than pointing a smartphone and touching the screen. “It’s not the camera,” Sanders said. It’s also the photographer, he said, not to mention […]
Phil Castle, Business Times Lynnea Tai has for years staged a treasure hunt of sorts in which she hides the necklaces and bracelets she makes and offers clues on social media as to where people can find them. Tai said the so-called art drops offer a way for her to give back, but also promote […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Kelly Maves says she’s aggravated by what she sees as a contradiction: Calls for more affordable housing at a time when increasing regulations and fees on new home construction drive up prices. “It’s beyond frustrating,” says Maves, who works as a real estate agent and whose husband, Michael, operates Maves […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Anna Stout doubts what she considers a one-size fits all solution to promote more affordable housing across Colorado would fit with Grand Junction. Efforts should instead be tailored to address the unique needs of the community, says Stout, who’s served four years on the Grand Junction City Council — currently […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Colorado business leaders are more upbeat heading into the second quarter, but remain concerned about higher interest rates and inflation. Most believe a recession will begin this year, an expectation that could be motivated in part by recent bank collapses. The Leeds Business Confidence Index rose 5.3 points for the […]
Phil Castle, Business Times The monthly unemployment rate has edged up in Mesa County, but remains below the level of a year ago. The jobless rate is expected to retreat with seasonal hiring in the spring, and the labor force continues to grow. “Overall, I think we’re looking not too bad,” said Celina Kirnberger, employer […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times No bouquet of flowers or luxuriant plant leaves Country Elegance without the finishing touch that’s become something of a signature for the Grand Junction florist. A tiny ladybug perches somewhere on a steam or leaf. It’s not a real insect, of course, but rather an indication of the attention to […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Since she became only the second executive of HopeWest, Cassie Mitchell has persisted through nearly a year of changes. Not only in where she works and lives, but also labor shortages and regulatory changes. What hasn’t changed, Mitchell says, is the mission. “We’re here to meet the needs of the […]