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…
The holiday season always brings out the heart of Mesa County. Lights go up, traditions take center stage, and families gather in ways that remind us what community really means. It is also a season when how we choose to celebrate can make a real difference. Every time we shop local, support local, and give…
A strong economy depends on more than innovation and investment. It depends on informed citizens who understand how their community and government work. That connection between civic awareness and economic strength is what drives the National Civics Bee, a program that inspires middle school students to learn how everyday decisions shape the places where…
Candace Carnahan, President and CEO of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed Vice Chair of the Colorado Chamber Alliance (CCA). The Colorado Chamber Alliance is a statewide network representing more than 75 local chambers of commerce and over 50,000 businesses across Colorado. The organization works to strengthen chambers through shared…