Last week’s Quarterly Membership Luncheon brought nearly 100 attendees together to celebrate local business expansions and hear directly from candidates seeking offices that influence our business environment. Together, the recognitions and conversation underscored how closely business growth and public policy are connected.
The Chamber recognized seven businesses and organizations whose expansions represent $33,475,000 in investment and 47 jobs. West Star Aviation accounted for $30 million in investment and 30 jobs, while Counseling and Education Center celebrated $2.4 million in investment and six jobs. Roice Hurst Humane Society was recognized for $675,000 in investment. Additional honorees included Frame Depot, with $200,000 in investment and one job; High Desert Hearing Clinic, with $150,000 in investment and three jobs; and Lil Richards, with $50,000 in investment and four jobs. The Boring Bookkeeper was also recognized for adding three jobs.
Each recognition represents a decision to grow here, committing resources to operations and opportunities in our community. From small business expansions to West Star’s substantial investment, these milestones demonstrate the contributions employers of different sizes make to our economy.
We congratulate each of these businesses and organizations and appreciate their continued commitment to the Grand Valley. Their growth is worth celebrating, and it reinforces why the Chamber works to address barriers that can make the next expansion more difficult.
That connection carried into the luncheon’s candidate forum, which featured Bobbie Daniel, seeking reelection as Mesa County Commissioner for District 2; Janice Rich, seeking reelection to Colorado State Senate District 7; Rick Taggart, seeking reelection to Colorado House District 55; and Jason Bias and Mallory Martin, both running for Colorado House District 54.
Attendees helped guide the discussion through questions submitted from the audience. Topics ranged from regulatory uncertainty and affordable housing to the ability of each office to influence change. Candidates were also asked about collaborating with elected leaders across the aisle, an essential consideration when moving ideas toward meaningful results.
These questions reflect practical concerns for employers. Businesses must make decisions about hiring, expansion and long-term commitments while navigating changing requirements. Housing availability affects the people they employ. Progress on these issues requires leaders who understand both the responsibilities of their offices and the importance of working with others.
The forum gave members an opportunity to consider how candidates would approach those responsibilities and whose perspectives would inform their decisions. Jason Bias emphasized the importance of utilizing the experience and perspective of the Chamber and its members when navigating issues that affect business success. Mallory Martin identified her own business experience as a primary guiding factor in how she would approach the work ahead. Their comments highlighted the value of connecting policy discussions to the everyday realities of operating a business.
The Chamber’s focus is on policy, not politics, and on those who shape our policy. Our role is to bring the needs of employers into the conversation, ask substantive questions and help members evaluate how public decisions affect their ability to succeed. Forums like this create space for direct engagement, with the discussion centered on issues and their consequences for our community.
The business expansions recognized at the luncheon provide a tangible reminder of what is at stake. Continued growth depends on employers willing to take the next step and an environment that allows them to do so with confidence. Keeping business perspectives at the table is an important part of building that environment.
Watch for the Chamber’s 2026 Election Guide, scheduled for release later this week, as another resource to help members look beyond headlines and consider the business impacts of the decisions on this year’s ballot.
