Grand Valley Drainage District Roundtable
When the newsletter periodically provides an update on accomplishments of the Chamber, a large group of volunteers is often overlooked as contributing to that success. As the year end approaches, we’d like to applaud and publicly acknowledge the up to 200 business people who “make it happen”. They include volunteers on:
- The Energy and Economic Development Committee which worked diligently to pull together the largest delegation of business and government leaders ever to attend the Global Petroleum Show in order to assist existing companies locate potential customers and identify energy related manufacturing firms with an interest in Western Colorado. Additionally, this group planned the 2015 Energy Briefing Series, the sixth year of this signature event that ranked as one of highest attended events in a recent membership survey.
- The Future Workforce Committee focused on continuing the momentum created by the Young Entrepreneurs’ Academy and transformed the Hire Me First program into an after school class with potential for high school credit. The first class will begin in January. Additionally, the Committee championed a partnership effort to apply for admittance to the ACT Workforce Ready Certification program. Once certified, Mesa County can tout third party validation of our workforce credentials to expanding and locating companies.
- The Governmental Affairs Committee and their various subcommittees offered members of the Chamber information on the business platforms of candidates for local office and make recommendations to the Board of Directors on key issues such as the Grand Valley Drainage District fee and the Hospital Provider Fee. They are now working on preparing for the next session of the Colorado General Assembly by reviewing/updating policy guidelines.
- The Air Service Task Force was activated last spring and is a joint effort with the Grand Junction Economic Partnership and Grand Junction Regional Airport to expand nonstop commercial flights, which will assist in business commerce. Two grants have been prepared and submitted for assistance in matching a host of local public and private dollars to entice this additional service to our area.
- The Chamber Diplomats are among the most hardworking volunteers of the entire organization. While many committees meet once a month, this group often gathers twice a week to host ribbon cuttings and stay in contact with the Chamber members. Their outreach role is critical to the health of the organization.
Click here to download full version of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce December 2015 Newsletter.