Not so long-ago chambers of commerce were viewed by some as socializing bodies where business people come together to network. Although still a valuable networking venue, our Chamber has always strived to be much more for our members. This past year has shown stark examples where we advocated for businesses (particularly through the Five Star…
Advocating for the local business community is a strength and core competency for the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. It is also a member expectation with 34% of respondents to the latest general membership survey indicating that they belonged to our organization because they wanted a strong partner to advocate for businesses. It also ranked…
When the Chamber Board of Directors conducted their annual planning session virtually in early November, a key theme emerged…the focus has to be on our members and how to help them transition from pandemic to prosperity. The plan that was adopted in December by the Board reflects that philosophy. It also incorporates some lessons learned…
“Thank you for doing the five-star program. We haven’t gone out to eat since March and knowing we had choices by looking at the Five Star ad in the paper made us feel safe visiting a favorite restaurant once again.” The person on the phone recently didn’t identify themselves and they didn’t need to. Their…
Each year, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce sends out its annual survey to all of its members. The board uses this survey to effectively plan for the needs of our members. It is the one time of year that all members are invited to weigh in with their thoughts on the organization and…
A successful Business Retention & Expansion program, like we have here at the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce, utilizes many different ways to provide additional value to each business contacted and the overall business climate for the area. A recent example of this can be found in the manufacturing industry. Many of our local manufacturers…
The Chamber Board will be engaged in an all-day planning session later this month. The recently completed membership survey and feedback from members will be a centerpiece as we look toward 2021 and how to promote economic growth and be a voice for business. But if 2020 has taught any of us anything it is…
By now, we all know that the year 2020 has gone less than planned. From the pandemic to social issues, business owners have seen operating conditions unlike any in recent memory. The Grand Junction Chamber’s most recent flash poll of small businesses completed in late August indicated that the top three fears of area business…
Manufacturing, the often-invisible pillar of our community, celebrates National Manufacturing Day on October 2nd. The celebration started by the Manufacturers Institute, helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors to students, parents, teachers and community leaders. As manufacturers seek to…