FEBRUARY 5-12, 2025
VOLUME 32, ISSUE 5
THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS & COMMUNITY NEWS SINCE 1994
Cocoa Quandary
In this issue n Workforce Summit The Mesa County Workforce Summit, held Jan. 29 at CMU, highlighted Trade Certification and the growing influence of AI.
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n Persigo Wastewater clarification
Local businesses face challenges as chocolate prices soar
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Grand Junction and Mesa County clarify Persigo Wastewater’s effect on development.
n FCI CEO Retires FCI President/CEO Haas announces retirement and replacement.
n Copeka Coffee expands offerings Copeka Coffee acquires more space to meet customer needs
THEBUSINESSTIMES.COM
— See story, Page 2
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n New marketing company in GJ Grand Junction local photographer launches Blue Spruce Marketing Co.
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n Altitude Pediatrics uses grant to expand Colorado’s Health Care Practice Transformation Act grant has allowed it to expand its office space and services.
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 67 The Business Times 609 North Ave., Suite 5 Grand Junction, CO 81501
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Bistro 317 head chef Marco Martinez shows off the Black Forest cake that is made and sold at the downtown Grand Junction bakery and restaurant. Of the pastries and desserts that are made with chocolate at Bistro 317, it is the only one that had a price increase last year when chocolate prices increased drastically throughout the year. Its price increased 50 cents per slice. Photo by Tim Harty.
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Lions Club Carnival & Parade Downtown Grand Junction PARADE 1PM | CARNIVAL 5PM
FLE R A F E TS K !
Parade and Carnival Saturday, February 15! SEE PAGE 3