Mesa County’s approach to workforce development is receiving national attention. The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce was recently honored by the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) with the Outstanding Chamber Program Award for Large Chambers for its workforce initiative, WestSlope Works. Chambers from across the western half of the United States were considered…
As the 2026 Colorado Legislative Session unfolds, one thing is already clear: despite early conversations about a nearly $1 billion projected budget shortfall, the pace and volume of legislation impacting Colorado employers has not slowed. If anything, the session is already off to a fast start. At the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, we are…
On Monday night, our Chamber joined community stakeholders, elected officials, and generations of agricultural producers for the unveiling of the newly released Economic Impact of Agriculture in Western Colorado. The room itself told a story before a single data point was shared. Producers whose families have worked the land for decades sat alongside policymakers, business…
The 2026 Colorado legislative session begins today, January 14th, launching 120 days of policy decisions that will directly affect employers, workers, and communities here in Mesa County. As lawmakers convene at the Colorado General Assembly, the business community is closely watching how this session will influence Colorado’s economic competitiveness and ability to protect and support…
As Colorado’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance program continues to evolve, Mesa County employers are adjusting to changes that affect workforce planning, payroll administration, and compliance responsibilities. As we move into 2026, there are several updates to the FAMLI program employers should be aware of, along with an anticipated federal change that has been delayed….
Strong local economies are built over time through steady investment in people, information, and opportunity. In 2025, Mesa County businesses faced rising costs, workforce shortages, and continued uncertainty tied to national and global forces. Throughout the year, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce focused on ensuring employers were supported with practical tools, reliable information,…
Earlier this week, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce convened a sold-out room of business leaders, elected officials, stakeholders, and community members for its Annual Economic Outlook, underscoring a shared investment in Mesa County’s economic future. Held at the Grand Junction Convention Center, the event brought together representatives from across the business community, local…
This holiday season, our Keep the Cheer Here campaign reminds us that choosing local strengthens the heartbeat of Mesa County. Each time we shop, dine, volunteer, or give locally, we reinforce the businesses and organizations that make this community feel like home. As we embrace that spirit of giving, it is important to recognize another…
In Mesa County, we talk often about the importance of cultivating the next generation of skilled workers. We care deeply about preparing future electricians, healthcare professionals, tech innovators, ranchers, and farmers. These conversations matter. But if we want a truly strong and sustainable local economy, we also need to grow the next generation of business…
Every year as the holidays approach, I find myself thinking about how quickly we all start moving. We rush from meeting to meeting, scroll through endless online deals, juggle calendars full of holiday events, and try to make everything look effortless. Somewhere in that flurry, we forget to look up and see the very thing…