Celebrating the successes of local businesses and economy in 2023 and looking forward to a promising future in 2024 were the central takeaways at Grand Junction Chamber’s Economic Outlook on Monday at Colorado Mesa University.
Attendees gathered to hear from keynote speaker, Dr. Richard Wobbekind, Senior Economist and Director of the Business Research Division at the University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business. Dr. Wobbekind delivered an exceptional presentation outlining the past, present and future of the national, state and regional economies.
Deriving his analysis from the newly released 2024 Business Economic Outlook, a comprehensive report prepared by the Leeds School of Business, Dr. Wobbekind provided an insightful summary of the economic factors that have influenced the present-day national and state economies, as well as their implications on our local industries, businesses and community as a whole. Attendees received a performance breakdown of key economic indicators such as inflation, interest rates, housing and construction costs, employment rates, household income and debt, industry changes and investments.
Narrowing the focus to Mesa County, Dr. Wobbekind offered an expert perspective of what has shaped the region’s economy in recent years as well as the economic future of the region, utilizing significant local trajectories, changes over time and comparisons to the rest of Colorado and the nation. Delving into top industries and economic drivers at the local level, Dr. Wobbekind’s tailored foresight painted a clear picture of a promising landscape for the economic future of our Grand Valley in 2024.
The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of this timely event in convening businesses, community leaders and members of the community to foster opportunities for shared retrospection, celebration, insights and strategic planning for the future. Every year, the Economic Outlook serves as a celebration of the economic impact made by local businesses through expansions, investments and jobs created throughout the year. This year, the Chamber proudly recognized the economic impact of local businesses and organizations, including Chamber members that have contributed over $130 million in capital investments and creation of 225 jobs in 2023.
CLICK HERE to read the report to learn more about Mesa County’s economic future.