Since the beginning of the year, Chamber staff have been active in seeking out primary employers in a variety of industries to determine how the community can retain them and help them expand in accordance with the Chamber’s role in economic development locally. Initially such efforts were undertaken by Diane Schwenke, CEO but with the addition of full-time Business Retention/Expansion Specialist, C.J. Rhyne, in March, the rate of visitation has increased substantially.
In a report to funding partners, Mesa County and the City of Grand Junction given last month the Chamber was pleased to share the following:
Activities:
- 16 Advance Manufacturing Firms Visited
- One Industry Roundtable held with Tech Sector
- Joint hosting of Denver delegation of business leaders
- One application prepared and submitted for Business Personal Property Tax rebate on $5 million investment by Powderhorn Ski Area
- Workforce Initiatives Conducted with Partners including YEA!, Hire Me First, Kick Start and ACT Workforce Ready Community Application
Outcomes:
- Four companies contemplating expansions which could create up to 350 new jobs within 3-5 years
- One company working on a joint venture opportunity that could lead to expansion
- One company retained
- 60 companies mentoring 18-24 year olds in paid internships
- Eleven new businesses started through YEA!
Click here to download full version of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce June 2016 Newsletter.