The future of civic leadership was on full display this past weekend as the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed middle school students from across Mesa County for the 2026 Regional Civics Bee. Held at the Clifton Community Center, the event brought together students, families, educators, and community leaders for a morning focused on…
As National Apprenticeship Week brings attention to workforce development efforts across the country, many may find themselves asking a simple question: Why apprenticeships, and why is the Chamber involved? The answer starts with employers and connects directly to the long-term vitality of our community. Across Mesa County and the Western Slope, businesses consistently share the…
The room was full well before the first pitch began. Family members leaned forward in their seats, mentors exchanged quiet encouragement, and local business leaders settled in with a clear sense that something meaningful was about to unfold. By the time the first student stepped to the front of the room, the energy was unmistakable….
Not every economic shift announces itself with a headline, but that does not make it any less significant. Some of the most consequential changes happen gradually, as a series of decisions made over time begin to reshape the trajectory of a state’s economy. Our close partners at the Colorado Chamber of Commerce recently released a…
If you’ve spent any time at a Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce event, you’ve felt it. The ease of walking into the room at Networking@Noon. The familiar faces greeting you at Business After Hours. The introductions that happen naturally at a Quarterly Membership Luncheon. The sense that you are not just attending something, you…
Each year, I look forward to the release of the Edelman Trust Barometer. Not because it tells us something new, but because it puts language and data behind what many of us are already feeling here at home. This year’s report confirms it. The divide is growing. Seventy percent of people worldwide now have what…
One of the most impactful moments in the Young Entrepreneur Academy each year is the CEO Roundtable. It is where ideas meet experience and where our students get the opportunity to step out of the classroom and into real conversations with leaders who have built, led, and grown organizations right here in our community. Last…
As I look at the future of Mesa County, I keep coming back to one simple truth: if we are not intentionally investing in young professionals today, we are leaving the future of our workforce and our community to chance. This isn’t just about filling jobs. It’s about cultivating leaders. For years, we’ve talked about…
We at the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce want to take a moment to recognize the TSA agents who play a critical role in keeping our community connected. Many of these individuals have now worked more than 30 days without a paycheck, yet they continue to show up each day to ensure our airport…
Agriculture is not just part of Mesa County’s history. It is a core part of our business community and a driving force behind our regional economy. During Ag Awareness Week, we are taking time to recognize the role agriculture plays across the Grand Valley, not only in what we produce, but in how our economy…