Every few years, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE)—the national organization representing thousands of chambers of commerce—takes a deep look at the forces shaping business, community, and the chamber industry itself. Their most recent report, Horizon 2035, reflects the insights of nearly 1,000 chamber leaders, partners, and futurists nationwide and offers a clear message: the next decade will require chambers not just to manage change, but to lead it.
One of the report’s central themes is catalytic leadership—the ability for chambers to act as instigators of progress, not just responders to it. From workforce development to housing and regional competitiveness, chambers are uniquely positioned to bring businesses, governments, and community partners together to drive meaningful solutions.
Here in Mesa County, we are not waiting for the future—we are building it.
Horizon 2035 notes that catalytic chambers define their vision based on what they will be, not just what they will do. This shift in mindset turns chambers into instigators of progress rather than passive responders to economic trends. For us, this means moving beyond hosting events or reacting to policy—it means tackling the systemic challenges holding back Mesa County business growth and working with our investors to create solutions.
Take workforce development as an example. Through our West Slope Works program, we have helped create or expand 20 work-based learning programs across the region, directing $180,000 in funding to local employers to train and retain talent. This is catalytic leadership in action: identifying a barrier—our workforce skills gap—and delivering measurable solutions that impact local businesses today while preparing for the economy of tomorrow.
The Horizon 2035 report makes it clear: catalytic chambers don’t act alone. We bring others alongside us, cultivating the next generation of leaders and convening partners to address community-wide challenges.
We’ve seen this in our advocacy on workforce housing, where employers across industries have joined the conversation about how to create attainable housing for the middle-income employees who drive our economy. According to our recent surveys, housing affordability ranks among the top concerns for local businesses, affecting their ability to hire and keep talent. By working hand-in-hand with Mesa County, the City of Grand Junction, and regional partners, we’re helping ensure these conversations turn into action.
Catalytic leadership is not just about big-picture ideas—it has direct, tangible value for our business community. When we successfully advocate for reducing burdensome regulations, invest in developing a skilled workforce, or collaborate on infrastructure improvements, it makes Mesa County a better place to do business.
And the data backs it up: Horizon 2035 cites a 2024 Harris Poll showing that 81% of U.S. adults trust their local chamber of commerce as a resource and partner for business. In Mesa County, this trust translates into action, as over 90% of our members say they’ve felt a direct benefit from Chamber programs, advocacy, or connections in the last year.
The future isn’t something we visit—it’s something we make. As a Chamber, we are committed to leading boldly, whether it’s by expanding our work on workforce development, continuing to push for solutions to housing challenges, or amplifying Mesa County’s voice on statewide policy issues that impact our economy.
But catalytic leadership is not the Grand Junction Chamber’s job alone—it’s a call to our entire business community. Every employer who joins a task force, every professional who mentors an apprentice, every company that shows up to advocate for our region is part of the solution.
Together, we can ensure Mesa County is not just keeping pace with the future, but setting the pace for it.