The holiday season always brings out the heart of Mesa County. Lights go up, traditions take center stage, and families gather in ways that remind us what community really means. It is also a season when how we choose to celebrate can make a real difference. Every time we shop local, support local, and give local, we help strengthen the businesses, nonprofits, and people who make the Grand Valley home.
That is why the Grand Junction Area Chamber is excited to launch this year’s “Keep the Cheer Here” campaign. This effort is designed to energize our community, highlight the businesses and organizations that make our valley vibrant, and encourage intentional choices that keep our economy strong through the holidays and into the new year.
Shopping local does more than check items off a gift list. It keeps dollars circulating right here in Mesa County. A purchase from a local boutique means that owner is more likely to grab lunch at a nearby restaurant, which supports local farmers, who then support youth programs and nonprofits. One choice creates a chain reaction of stability and generosity across the valley.
Supporting local in Mesa County goes far beyond making a purchase. Anyone can make a difference by volunteering with a nonprofit, interacting with local businesses on social media, leaving a positive review, recommending a favorite shop or service provider to a friend, sharing posts to help expand their reach, participating in community events, or simply stopping in to show encouragement. These actions may seem small, but every one of them helps local businesses and organizations gain visibility, build momentum, and feel the community standing behind them.
And during the holidays, we cannot forget the importance of giving local. Whether it is donating to a community organization, participating in a toy drive, contributing to a local fundraiser, or tipping a little extra during the busy season, giving local ensures our generosity reaches our neighbors directly.
To make it fun and accessible, we created the “Keep the Cheer Here” Bingo Challenge. No purchase is required. Participants complete a row of joyful activities—stopping into a local shop, attending a community event, enjoying a holiday meal, volunteering, or supporting a local nonprofit—and submit their card for a chance to win a Downtown Grand Junction gift card. It is a playful and meaningful way to inspire local exploration and celebrate the impact of choosing local. Learn more about this fun challenge at gjchamber.org/keepthecheerhere.
This year we are also rolling out a Business Marketing Toolkit to help our local businesses promote the season without added stress. The toolkit includes ready-to-use social media graphics, caption ideas, email footers, coupons, and more—created to save time, extend reach, and help businesses connect with holiday shoppers. All materials are available at gjchamber.org/kchforbusiness.
Our Chamber team will be out participating as well—visiting local favorites, highlighting businesses and nonprofits, and leading by example as we shop local, support local, and give local ourselves.
This campaign is more than festive messaging. It is a call to action that reminds us that our everyday choices build the community we want to live in. When we keep our dollars, attention, and generosity close to home, we build a stronger, more resilient Mesa County. We invite everyone to download a bingo card, explore the Business Toolkit, and join us at gjchamber.org/keepthecheerhere. Together, we can Keep the Cheer Here all season long.