The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to release its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year defined by momentum, measurable impact, and a continued commitment to strengthening Mesa County’s business community.
In a year marked by economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, shifting policy discussions, and increasing pressure on employers, the Chamber remained focused on one mission: representing local business and promoting economic growth.
The 2025 Annual Report captures what that work looked like in action.
Throughout the year, the Chamber engaged on more than 730 pieces of legislation, took formal positions on 56 bills, and worked alongside regional partners to advocate for policies that support investment, workforce development, and long-term economic competitiveness. These efforts helped protect critical economic development tools, shape local conversations around impact fees and housing, and ensure Mesa County businesses had a strong voice at every level of government.
But advocacy was only part of the story.
In 2025, the Chamber also helped support more than $21 million in local business investment, assisted expansion projects that created 128 new jobs, and completed 94 business retention and expansion visits to better understand the real-world challenges employers are facing.
The report also highlights the Chamber’s continued investment in workforce development and leadership pipelines across Mesa County. Through West Slope Works, apprenticeship expansion efforts, work-based learning grants, and regional workforce collaboration, businesses and community partners worked together to strengthen career pathways and connect talent to opportunity.
Programs like the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, Young Professionals Network, and the Mesa County Leadership Program continued to invest in the next generation of business and community leaders, ensuring Mesa County remains competitive not only today, but for years to come.
At the same time, the Chamber expanded opportunities for meaningful connection through more than 100 networking and engagement events, educational forums, industry discussions, and leadership conversations designed to help businesses stay informed, connected, and prepared for what’s ahead.
“This report reflects more than numbers,” said Candace Carnahan, President & CEO of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. “It reflects a business community that continues to show up, stay engaged, and work together to strengthen the future of Mesa County.”
The 2025 Annual Report also reinforces an important message: Chamber investors are not passive members. They are active partners in shaping the economic future of the Grand Valley. Their investment fuels advocacy, workforce initiatives, leadership development, and the collaborative work necessary to keep Mesa County competitive.
As the Chamber looks ahead, the focus remains clear: continue advocating with purpose, convening meaningful conversations, and investing in strategies that create long-term economic resilience for businesses across Western Colorado.
Together, we are building momentum that matters.
