Every day, I talk to employers in Mesa County who are facing the same quiet crisis: they can’t find or keep workers—not because the jobs aren’t there, but because housing affordability keeps pushing those workers out. We talk a lot about economic development, talent pipelines, and business vitality. But none of those goals are sustainable…
On Tuesday evening, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the graduation of 15 bold young innovators—our largest cohort to date—from the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), marking the program’s 12th year of cultivating youth-driven business leadership in Mesa County. Over the course of 20 weeks, these middle and high school students did far…
We’re asking local businesses to take less than five minutes to complete our short survey. Your feedback will help us advocate for smart, balanced policies that reflect the realities of doing business in Western Colorado. Tariffs on raw materials, equipment, and consumer goods can directly increase costs for manufacturers, healthcare providers, and retailers. Whether it’s…
This Saturday, May 3rd, Brielle Nye, founder of Carry It On, will represent not just the Grand Valley, but the entire state of Colorado in the 2025 Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) National Competition—a prestigious event that brings together the top student-run businesses from across the country. Brielle earned this honor after being selected as the…
Your Vote. Your City. Your Future. Why the April 8th Election Matters More Than You Think With spring just around the corner, there’s something else blooming besides warmer weather—your opportunity to help shape the future of Grand Junction. On Tuesday, April 8th, voters will decide who will fill four of the seven seats on the…
We hear every day from Mesa County businesses about the challenges they face. We hear their frustration, their exhaustion, and lately—more and more—we hear their growing consideration of taking their business elsewhere. Colorado often touts itself as a great place to do business. We claim to support job creators, entrepreneurs, and the backbone of our…
A recent ruling by the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has reinstated requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), directly impacting many small businesses, including those in Mesa County. This federal law is designed to combat financial crimes like money laundering by requiring businesses to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports. These requirements add…
The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to introduce the newest cohort of the Mesa County Leadership Program! This exceptional group of 30 participants is embarking on a 10-month journey that will challenge, inspire, and transform their approach to leadership—both personally and professionally. About the Mesa County Leadership Program For over three decades,…
As Colorado Gives Day approaches, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible impact nonprofits have on our community. They are the heartbeat of Mesa County—a vibrant tapestry of organizations that step up to meet needs, solve problems, and create opportunities. Their work is often unseen, their challenges unglamorous, but their impact is undeniable. This…
Embracing Business Resources and Looking Outside of Industry for a Resilient Future As President & CEO of the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce and Fellow of the AgriWest Initiative and 5th generation rancher, we know well – and frequently speak of – the importance of agriculture. We don’t have to remind this community that agriculture…