Cappella Grand Junction – Photo by: The Business Times
The Chamber Board of Directors adopted the 2018 business plan at their November meeting, and the need for this organization to be proactive in helping job creators succeed and strengthen the economy continues to be the major theme of the Chamber work plan for the next 12 months.
Shown below are goals and some of the strategic steps anticipated:
Goal 1: Convene Stakeholders and Champion Workforce Development Programs.
The Chamber continues to partner with education and the Mesa County Workforce Center on programs that are familiar to our members including the Young Entrepreneur’s Academy, Career Wise, Kick Start, Hire Me First and the ACT Workforce Ready Community Certification process. In addition, the Chamber will support efforts by Colorado Mesa University and School District 51 to encourage more high school students to pursue some sort of post-secondary training.
Goal 2: Promote a Strong Local Economy Through a Robust Business Retention/Expansion Program.
Efforts to address the barriers to growth for local companies will be identified through a personal visitation program targeting over 100 companies. Once identified, issues will be addressed on an individual and collective basis depending on the impediments to growth. In partnership with GJEP, the Chamber will also spearhead an initiative to secure a foreign trade zone for the Western Slope and expand direct commercial air service to assist our companies in reaching customers across the globe.
Goal 3: Advocate for a More Favorable Business Climate at the Local, State and Federal Level Through the Legislative and Regulatory Processes.
A general election will be held in 2018 with races for county offices, Governor, state lawmakers and members of the Congressional delegation. The possibility of several statewide ballot measures coupled with an interest in local questions will ensure that being the voice of business will be needed at all levels. A State of the Grand Valley event will be held to inform business leaders of the major projects, issues, and initiatives being undertaken by the local government sector.
Goal 4: Utilizing the Strengths of the Chamber Help Build a Stronger Community.
Colorado Mesa University is a cornerstone for building a stronger economy and a greater quality of life. Through the CMU 20000 effort, the Chamber will seek to raise the visibility of the University and encourage more attendance by area students. A first-ever leadership summit is planned to motivate business leaders of all generations to become more active in community building and the Mesa County Leadership Program will begin its 25th year of training business leaders about community issues.
Goal 5: Offer Direct Benefits to Members That Will Strengthen Their Individual Businesses.
Leads Groups, Sunrise Seminars, a Health Care Summit, JUCO Spirit Week and a host of other instructional and networking opportunities will be offered to businesses so they can work smarter, not harder to develop their businesses and create jobs which helps everyone prosper.
Click here to download full version of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce January 2018 Newsletter