The past few years have been filled with new ideas, innovations, and pivots in order to keep our Mesa County business community afloat amongst new challenges throughout the nation and world. This year, more than ever, has presented opportunities to innovate, impact, and progress the cities, neighborhoods, and communities around us. The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce proved to be a community leader and collaboration champion when faced with dilemmas brought to our local area.
Excellence in Economic Development Award – International Economic Development Council
Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce won a Gold Rank for its Mesa County 5-Star Program, a project in the category of Resiliency, Recovery and Mitigation of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The honor was presented at an awards ceremony during the IEDC Annual Conference which happened in early October.
“We are thrilled that the IEDC recognized the efforts of the Grand Junction Chamber, along with Mesa County Public Health, and the entire business community which allowed Mesa County to not just survive, but set an example state-wide.” said Diane Schwenke, President and CEO. “The International Economic Development community understands the value of creative collaboration to solve economic dilemmas and this program epitomizes the amazing results that can come from those partnerships”
IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders. 25 award categories honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Awards are judged by a diverse panel of economic and community developers, following a nomination process held earlier this year. IEDC received over 500 submissions from 4 countries.
2020 Best Idea of the Year and CEO of the Year – Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce
Through the Mesa County 5-Star program and many other efforts, the GJ Chamber was able to help local businesses stay open and continue promoting economic growth amidst the increasingly difficult challenges that faced the community and world. Through the collaborative efforts throughout Mesa County, the GJ Chamber was recently awarded the 2020 Best Idea of the Year for the Mesa County 5-Star Program and our very own Diane Schwenke was awarded the 2020 CEO of the Year by the Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce and the Colorado Chamber of Commerce.
Both awards highlight the continued support and advocacy the GJ Chamber provides the local businesses throughout the Grand Valley.