The YEA! students are students ages 11 to 18 and are taught by local entrepreneurs and are introduced to guest lecturers, successful entrepreneurs, and business mentors. During the course of the program, students have created their own business plan, pitched their business plan, and now they will unveil their business at a trade show. This…
You’ve heard quite a bit from me lately as we move toward the selection of new staff leadership at the Chamber. That is because you are part of the Chamber team. I’ve been reminded these past few weeks that a strong team is a key to a strong organization like our Chamber. It is the…
The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce championed the creation of a local leadership training program for mid to upper-level business managers 30 years ago. The purpose of the Chamber offering such a program was to encourage business participation on boards, commissions, and to be more active in public policy development – including running for…
It wasn’t all that long ago that a career centers’ main focus on college campuses was to assist students with resumes, help them draft a cover letter and work through mock interviews. Although those are important tools for a student’s toolbox, the question on every student’s mind come graduation is “now what?” True to form,…
Last month, the Young Entrepreneurs Academy student/CEOs met with an investor panel in a “shark tank” like experience to pitch their ideas and ask for seed capital. Eight students were awarded a cumulative total of $7500 to start their enterprises. The students/CEOs will now launch their businesses and participate in a trade show on May…
It is appropriate that the theme of this month’s newsletter is looking forward. With the news that Mesa County has recovered much more quickly than other parts of the state and the nation, it is indeed time to look forward and move forward. Diane Schwenke, our CEO for the past 32 years recognized that it…
On Wednesday, March 16th at 6:00PM, our student entrepreneurs will finally take the stage to present their business plans before a panel of local leaders of industry. The students have been tirelessly practicing and polishing their presentations and are ready to share with the world all their hard work! Let’s set the stage. Eight students…
As part of March Membership Madness, we’d like to highlight ways to engage with the opportunities and benefits that are included in your investment with the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. Here are just a few ways to get involved and make the most of your investment with us! Let us know what issues…