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CMU 'Economic Engine' For Western Slope

by KREX News Room
by Courtney Griffin

Story Created: Feb 1, 2013 at 3:54 PM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 1, 2013 at 7:19 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- The Regional Economic Impact report states Colorado Mesa University infused an estimated $351 million directly and indirectly into the regional economy in the fiscal year of 2011-2012.

CMU direct expenditures totaled $33.5 million with more than half of that spent in locally in Western Colorado.

"[CMU's economic impact] Is even larger right now than some of our energy companies. It makes Colorado Mesa one of the top, probably, five economic engines in our valley," said Diane Schwenke, CEO of the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce.

CMU has continued to increase their economic impact to the Western Slope over the last several years.

"They've been a sustainable source of economic activity when we've seen some other ares of the economy declining," said Schwenke.

"It's a very nice reinforcement to say by the way we do reciprocate, it isn't just give, give, give," said Tim Foster, president of CMU.

It's a huge impact, and it's an impact on our local economy, our regional economy, and on our state economy," said Kelly Flenniken, with the Grand Junction Economic Partnership.

According to the report, just under $25.5 million in goods and services purchased by CMU was spent in Western Colorado, with eight percent spent elsewhere within the State.

"When you've got 80 percent of their capitol dollars and over 75 percent of the goods and services that they buy happening on the Western Slope that is huge," said Schwenke.

Officials say the study is conducted every other year and has increased by 143 percent since it started in 2003-2004.

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Millions and Millions said on Saturday, Feb 2 at 1:05 PM

So, our local economy is better than ever and the City has made cuts during the downturn, why then are our water, sewer, and trash bills going up? There was a drought last summer, my yard sure isn't in a drought now. The note in my bill was in effect "to encourage water conservation" we're raising your water bill. Get a grip GJ, many of us are wise water users and your emphasis on raising the water bill is unfair. While there is a note that only very slightly encourages conservation to recycle, it's miniscule. There is where you should increase the bill by two bucks, throw it at the bulk users who don't care or understand how to recycle, but week after week overload their two big bins of trash when in reality they could probably save ten bucks and order 1 can, then recycle the rest for $1.75/mo vs. 10-20/month

yea for the economy said on Saturday, Feb 2 at 12:42 PM

It's the way of the world silly.

Scary said on Saturday, Feb 2 at 10:40 AM

So a tax supported organization made of people who don't understand business is the "economic engine" of the Western Slope? If the tax spigot is turned off, then everyone starves? $0.46 of every Federal $1.00 spent is borrowed. This does not bode well. It's a shame that there is no one a CMU who is smart enough to figure this out.

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