As we turn the corner into the second half of 2023, I find myself reflecting on the amazing individuals who I have had the pleasure and honor of collaborating with across our community. New leaders, community icons, and fresh faces have all contributed to the conversations and issues we have navigated in recent months.
The work we are doing as a community can only be truly successful if we continue to capitalize on the diversity of perspectives and leadership we are lucky to have. That is why I am thrilled to introduce to you our Young Professionals Summit and Bestslope NEXT Gen Awards.
Identifying, cultivating, and including the next generation of leadership in our Valley is essential. Through this, we can ensure continuity and sustainability of our ongoing initiatives, ensuring progress along the way. We ensure a smooth transition of power, preventing leadership vacuums and preventing disruptions in development.
Along the way, we also gain fresh perspectives and encourage innovation to address the challenges and opportunities that lie before our community. A strong attribute of our young leaders is being attuned to emerging trends, technologies, and dynamics that can often infuse new energy and creativity into strategies and decisions.
We must also remember that by including our young leaders, we empower them to take steps towards engagement in our community. They become invested in the well-being of the community and learn that civic duty and a sense of ownership makes them a more active citizen.
I’m often struck by young leaders who mention that they don’t feel there is a “seat at the table” unless someone retires from the community circle. We must do better by offering a seat today by finding ways to bring all these benefits into the conversations now. In doing so, we ensure inter-generational collaboration that truly bridges the gap between our older and younger community members. It also encourages our young leaders to put down roots and stay in Mesa County, where we value and encourage their participation.
So, as we prepare to welcome you all to our Young Professionals Summit in August, we issue a challenge to look around and help us identify our “NEXT Gen” of leadership across the Western Slope. In all industries, we know that there are emerging individuals who are passionate and enthusiastic about not just their careers but also making an impact for the greater good. Recognize them by submitting a nomination with the QR code below and help us to continue to build a resilient society that provides opportunities to contribute and thrive as we adapt to the challenges and opportunities of the future.