The Chamber Board of Directors adopted the 2017 Business Plan at their December 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 workplan for the next 12 months.
Shown below are goals and some of the strategic steps anticipated:
- Goal 1: Promote a Strong Local Economy Through Efforts to Develop the Current and Emerging Workforce. The Chamber continues to collaborate with our education partners and the Mesa County Workforce Center on programs that are familiar to our members including the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, KickStart, Hire Me First and the ACT Work Ready Community Certification process. CareerWise is a new effort to transform the high school experience for selected students into more than seat time in a classroom by adding multiyear apprenticeships that lead to high school graduation along with industry certification and to help fill the talent pipeline needed by business.
- Goal 2: Promote a Strong Local Economy Through a Robust Business Retention/Expansion Program. With the addition of a fulltime staff position dedicated to calling on primary job creators and working to resolve individual or joint barriers to growth, the Chamber was able to visit 100 companies last year. This year, the goals are higher and a new partnership with the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Alliance—West Slope will help put resources on the ground to grow our advanced manufacturing and existing business base. 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. With the advent of a new administration at the federal level, two local elections with proposed ballot questions and a challenging state legislature agenda, the voice of the Grand Valley business community will be needed more than ever in helping inform decision making that leads to more robust growth for the Valley. Outreach and education on issues will continue through weekly legislative updates, candidate forums and voters’ guides by the Chamber. The Chamber will continue to encourage engagement by business leaders in service within the public and nonprofit sectors through the Mesa County Leadership Program.
- Goal 4: Offer Direct Benefits to Members That Will Strengthen Their Individual Businesses. For many members, the opportunity to grow their network and their customer base is a key determinant of choosing to invest in the Chamber. They also look to the Chamber for education and access to resources that help solidify the sustainability of their companies. In addition to premier networking opportunities such as Business After Hours, Networking at Noon and weekly Leads groups, the Chamber will be introducing a new education venue, Sunrise Seminars, sponsored by Home Loan to assist small business owners stay informed and up-to-date on best practices surrounding employment issues, health insurance, marketing, cyber security and more. A Health Care Summit is also planned and the Business Connect Partnership with the Mesa County Library will continue to offer targeted marketing assistance.
Click here to download full version of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce January 2017 Newsletter.