Matthew Breman, 2016 Chairman of the Board
Let me let you in on a few little secrets about the Chairman’s Column: yes, I actually write it myself (thankfully I have help proofing it), I always need a not so gentle nudge that I need to write a new one about two days before it is due, but most importantly, there is never a shortage of things to write about. I always want to start off each column with “your Grand Junction Chamber has been very busy this month” however, we are always very busy working for our members and I would end up repeating this every time I sat down to pen one of these things.
With that preamble, let me do a quick overview of not only what we have been busy working on but some of the accomplishments we have had this month as well. In the past, all of the Economic Development partners were working very hard but not necessarily with the best coordination. Based on the recommendations of the North Star Study, The Chamber along with The Business Incubator and Grand Junction Economic Partnership have grown more coordinated and stronger in addressing the needs and opportunities of growing our economy. A great example of this coordination is the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the three organizations. This MOU lays out in writing the leadership and supporting roles these organizations play at various times, depending on the needs in various economic efforts.
Although the formalization of the MOU was important, even more important are the results that these coordinated efforts are starting to deliver. The results we are seeing are happening in a manner that is more streamlined for the businesses involved and gives us confidence for our growing economy moving into June. The 2016 Chamber Leadership Class is also graduating this June. This program provides a comprehensive look at various aspects that form our community, including local government, public lands, health care, education and human services. This interactive learning program requires dedication from the students for 10-months and over 70 hours of classes. The commitment and effort the students put in is well worth their efforts because they come out of this program having both a better understanding of our community and are more prepared to take on leadership roles on various boards and committees and to run for local office. Besides the positive impact this program has on our community, those that graduate often become influential leaders in their organizations and positively impact the organizations culture and bottom line. This positive impact is evidenced by the number of companies that regularly invest in their employees by sending them through this program.
These are just two examples of what we have been busy working on this month. Rest assured that next month as I go to write this column I will want to start off with “your Grand Junction Chamber has been very busy this month” but I will remind myself that it is not just this month, but every month.
Matthew Breman – 2016 Chairman of the Board
Click here to download full version of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce June 2016 Newsletter.