A few weeks ago, I wrote about Colorado’s dramatic slide in national business competitiveness rankings and the warning signs our state can no longer afford to ignore. Recently, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce continued that conversation by co-hosting hosting a Colorado Competitiveness Roundtable in partnership with the Governor’s Office, the Colorado Office of…
What does the future of Western Colorado look like? On August 19th, it looked a lot like 180 young professionals gathered at Colorado Mesa University to learn, connect, ask important questions, and consider the role they want to play in what comes next. Now in its fourth year, the Western Slope Young Professionals Summit has…
When most people think of advocacy, they picture testimony at the State Capitol or meetings with elected officials. While those moments matter, some of the most important conversations happen long before legislation is debated or rules are finalized. Recently, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Chairman Eric Blank and Director Rebecca White from…
Earlier this summer, the U.S. Department of Labor contacted the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce because of the Chamber’s work championing industry-led solutions to one of the most pressing challenges facing employers today: attracting, developing, and retaining skilled talent. Through initiatives like West Slope Works, apprenticeship expansion, sector partnerships, and the intentional convening of…
One of the greatest investments we can make in the future of Western Colorado is investing in the people who will lead it. That’s the vision behind the 2026 Western Slope YP Summit. On Wednesday, August 19, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professionals Network (YPN) of Mesa County will once…
Last week, Grand Valley middle school student entrepreneur Roan Baldwin represented Colorado at the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) Saunders Scholars National Competition in Frisco, Texas. After earning the title of local Saunders Scholar earlier this year, Roan advanced to compete alongside some of the nation’s top young entrepreneurs. He presented his business, Munch Mode Machines,…
Last Thursday evening, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the graduation of the Mesa County Leadership Program Class of 2026 at Bookcliff Country Club. Family members, employers, alumni, community leaders, and program supporters gathered to recognize 30 graduates who dedicated the past 10 months to immersive learning, community exploration, and leadership development….
Last weekend, the Mesa Mall was transformed into something different: a marketplace of student-owned businesses. The annual Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) Trade Show gave local students the opportunity to showcase businesses they have spent months developing and preparing to launch. Through the afternoon, shoppers stopped by booths to learn about products and services, ask questions,…
Funding is currently available through the Chamber’s West Slope Works program to help employers offset costs associated with Registered Apprenticeship Programs. The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, through its role as a Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary, has grant funding available to support apprenticeship-related expenses, including mentor or journey worker wages, instructor costs, training supplies, and…
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…