STATE OFFERS INCENTIVES FOR MANUFACTURING PLANTS

Two solar companies, Project Clear Skies, based in India, and Project 5000, a Colorado-based company, received approval from the Colorado Economic Development Commission for $20.6 million in state economic development incentives to build manufacturing plants that could employ as many as 900 workers in southern Colorado. Among the smaller awards made Thursday was one to a precision rifle casing maker looking to relocate from Ogden, Utah to Routt County.

GARDEN OF THE GODS IN TOP 10 TRIPADVISOR SURVEY OF FALL ATTRACTIONS

TripAdvisor Wednesday released it list of top 25 fall attractions in the U.S. The list was compiled by ranking the percentage increase in searches on the site for 2016 and 2017, from Sept. 1 to Oct. 7, with only the sites receiving high reviews being considered. The Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs made the list, ranking No. 8 with a 19 percent year-over-year increase in search activity. The Grand Canyon South Rim was top-rated and the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, No. 2.

TESLA UNVEILS ITS SEMI-TRUCK

Elon Musk, in an elaborate nighttime presentation, unveiled Tesla's prototype for a battery-powered, nearly self-driving semi-truck that the company said would be more efficient and less costly to operate than diesel trucks. It will not emit any exhaust. The truck would have a single-charge range of 500 miles and can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in 20 seconds when hauling a maximum load of 80,000 pounds. Tesla estimates its truck would cost $1.26 per mile to operate, compared with $1.51 a mile for a diesel truck.

GARCO COMMISSIONERS OK BATTLEMENT INJECTION WELL

After two days of hearings this week, the Garfield County commissioners Thursday approved the plan of Ursa Resources to place a small injection well inside the residential community of Battlement Mesa. The commissioners said their decision was based on the fact it provided the best option for Battlement Mesa, including eliminating the need for 30 to 50 truck trips per day during the production phase of the project. The commissioners unanimously approved the overall project which includes 55 natural gas wells to be drilled at two well pads, the injection pads and a pipeline and associated water storage facility.

BIG WINTER SEASON ON TAP AT THE WHEELER OPERA HOUSE

Earlier this fall, the Wheeler Opera House announced its December schedule which includes Christmas night shows and a New Year's Eve performance as well as the Aspen Laugh Festival in February and lectures from the Aspen Center for Physics. Thursday, Wheeler officials announced more than 20 additional events this winter, ranging from live music to films from Mountainfilm to dance performances, magic shows and even programs for kids. Check out the full calendar at: www.wheeleroperahouse.com.

BLM HEAD HAS A PLAN FOR BUSINESS ON PUBLIC LANDS

The Petroleum and Mining Club of Grand Junction hosted a meeting Thursday featuring a presentation from Kate McGregor, head of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, who delivered an address, "The Department of Interior's Role in Energy Dominance." In her presentation to some 250 attendees, McGregor delineated the policy of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke "to identify and eliminate obstacles to development" of oil, gas and natural resources. That also includes streamlining planning and permitting of leases, reducing regulatory burdens and improving trust with local, state and tribal partners.

THE FORUM BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER IN MONTROSE

Eight years ago in Montrose, Dr. Ted Dickinson and former Montrose city manager Jim Austin put together a nonprofit organization devoted to providing information to the community. The Forum was created and is still going today at Heidi's Brooklyn Deli, where it has always been held, with as many as 50 people showing up to hear updates on the community. The Forum has a program committee which plans programs covering agriculture, manufacturing, aviation, recreation, tourism, and new and existing businesses. The schedule goes to more than 350 people on The Forum's email list.

TIME TO FILL THE VAN

For the 20th year, Colorado Mountain Express is holding its Fill the Van program this Saturday, Nov. 18. People are asked to purchase some additional nonperishable food at local grocery stores Saturday and put those items into the CME van outside the store. Cash and checks will also be accepted. CME will also be collecting food and money at the corporate office of Vail Resorts in Broomfield. There will also be Fill the Van collections at the City Market stores in Aspen, Glenwood Springs and Summit County.

WEST VAIL MALL FOR SALE?

The West Vail Mall Properties, owner of the West Vail Mall, the 35,000-square-foot property anchored by the West Vail Liquor Mart and Christy Sports, is pursuing a sale of the mall. There is a listing on the LoopNet website, but there is not a price listed. According to the Eagle County Assessor's Office, the most recent assessment is $7.77 million. There has been an increase in demand for commercial property over the past two years and planning for the West Vail Mall will likely include a combination of commercial and residential space.

CYBER MONDAY HAS TRAVEL DEALS, TOO

As you gear up for Black Friday (Nov. 24) and Cyber Monday (Nov. 27) you may want to look at investigating travel deals…here are a few available on Cyber Monday:

• Home rental company Oasis is offering $200 off on a stay and $50 off drinks and free housekeeping at one of its properties in more than 22 destinations on stays Nov. 27, 2017 through Nov. 27, 2018
• The Viceroy Hotel Group is offering discounts of 30 percent – 40 percent for bookings made Nov. 27 to Dec. 4 for travel from Nov. 27, 2017 – Dec. 2018
• Safari outfitter AndBeyond is offering 30 percent off one of its four small group journeys in 2018
• Grace Bay Club, in Turks and Caicos, is offering 35 percent off nightly rates
• Friendly Planet Travel is offering up to $1,100 off per person on 68 tours to over 40 countries in 2018
• Expedia, from noon to 7 p.m. EST on Cyber Monday, will have 90 percent off on select hotels if you use the Expedia app

WHITMAN RETURNS TO THE GRAND VALLEY

Zephyr Stage presents Multitudes - a one-man show about the Father of American Poetry, Walt Whitman, at the KAFM Radio Room in Grand Junction on Saturday, Nov. 18. Uncle Walt, in all his glory - fresh from a whirlwind tour of Scotland, and a rambunctious circuit through the state of Colorado, is back in the Grand Valley! The play addresses death, sexuality, slavery, the Civil War and Whitman’s poetic vision of democratic ideals. One night only, at 7 p.m., and tickets are only $5, and are available by clicking on the link below. The KAFM Radio Room is located at 1310 Ute Ave., Grand Junction. For more information, or to purchase tickets by phone, call 970-241-8801x211.