At the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, we pride ourselves on being more than just an advocate for business—we’re a driver of progress, a convener of partnerships, and a storyteller of success. Over the past seven days, that mission came to life through three celebrations that spotlighted what’s possible when passion, collaboration, and innovation align.
We honored the bold ideas of our next generation of entrepreneurs, recognized 30 emerging leaders across industries, and celebrated major investments in local workforce pipelines. From a ballroom filled with proud student CEOs to business leaders applauding job training milestones—this was a week of impact and momentum.
Here’s a look at the stories behind each event—and why they matter to Mesa County’s future.
Bold Ideas Take the Stage at YEA! Graduation
Last Tuesday evening buzzed with excitement as the Chamber hosted its 12th annual Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) graduation, celebrating 15 middle and high school students who spent 20 weeks turning their ideas into real businesses.
YEA! is more than a class—it’s a launchpad. These students developed business plans, pitched to investors, and brought products and services to life. From artisan soaps to mobile apps and nonprofits, the creativity and drive were inspiring.
Chamber President & CEO Candace Carnahan welcomed attendees with a powerful message: “This program doesn’t just teach entrepreneurship—it teaches resilience and belief in one’s own ideas. Each student here tonight has already done what many adults never will—they started a business.”
Keynote speaker Shelley Clennin, a local entrepreneur, urged graduates to embrace curiosity and action. “You don’t need all the answers—just the courage to take the next step,” she said.
These 15 new CEO’s embodied the spirit of innovation and inspiration for our future and this evening reminded everyone what youth can achieve when given the right tools.
New Leaders Rise Through the Mesa County Leadership Program
Just two days later, we celebrated the graduation of the 32nd Mesa County Leadership Program cohort, adding to a legacy that now includes over 500 alumni.
Supported by Climb Credit Union, Munro Companies, and The Trophy Case, the evening marked the culmination of a 10-month journey. Thirty participants—representing industries from healthcare to construction—had explored the region, challenged their leadership styles, and built deep relationships.
Board Member and Steering Committee Chair Kathy Cantu opened the evening by sharing, “Leadership is about showing up with courage and collaboration. This group has done exactly that.”
Candace Carnahan reflected on their transformation: “You’ve stepped into new experiences and hard conversations. You’ve gone from individuals to a collective group with shared purpose.”
Participants learned about economic development, education, housing, public safety, and more. They didn’t just absorb—they engaged. And now, they join an alumni network that includes mayors, commissioners, and community board members.
Several graduates shared stories of personal growth—new confidence, stronger purpose, and a broader view of the region they call home.
Celebrating Investment in Workforce Through West Slope Works
On Monday, we capped off the celebration stretch by recognizing 20 businesses that received $180,000 in funding through the Chamber’s West Slope Works (WSW) program—part of a statewide effort to expand work-based learning.
The Chamber was one of only five organizations selected statewide by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to lead this effort. And the results in Mesa County speak for themselves.
In the past 12 months, we helped small businesses design programs that offer real work experiences—internships, apprenticeships, job shadows, and on-the-job training. Participants ranged from youth to older adults, and employers included manufacturers, law firms, nonprofits, and more.
Impact at a glance:
- 65 participants in total (including 15 youth and 15 older adults)
- 20 programs launched or expanded (16 at small businesses)
- Over 7,000 hours of learning funded
- $180,000 in direct employer support
- 49% of participants were hired after program completion
During the luncheon, Carnahan emphasized, “Skilled talent is the number one concern for employers—and we’re not just talking about it. We’re doing something about it.”
She also noted the program’s collaborative approach: “We’re hyper aware of the great work our partners are doing. These dollars often paired with other resources to amplify impact—not duplicate it.”
Business owners echoed this, sharing how the funds allowed them to train and retain talent in ways that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible.
While each of these celebrations stood on its own, together they demonstrate the full spectrum of how the Chamber serves the community.
We plant seeds in young entrepreneurs, nurture growth in emerging leaders, and invest in workforce development—ensuring our region is ready for what’s next.
Our mission is to create systems, relationships, and opportunities for businesses and people to thrive. And whether through confetti, handshakes, or grant checks, our focus remains clear: possibility, powered by people.
Last week was a celebration. This week, the work continues.