Latest News/Events
A strong economy depends on more than innovation and investment. It depends on informed citizens who understand how their community and government work. That connection between civic awareness and economic strength is what drives the National Civics Bee, a program that inspires middle school students to learn how everyday decisions shape the places where…
Candace Carnahan, President and CEO of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed Vice Chair of the Colorado Chamber Alliance (CCA). The Colorado Chamber Alliance is a statewide network representing more than 75 local chambers of commerce and over 50,000 businesses across Colorado. The organization works to strengthen chambers through shared…
Invest in the Programs That Strengthen Our Community The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has opened up opportunities for sponsorship partners for several of our cornerstone programs that strengthen the Mesa County economy and empower our business community. Your support fuels initiatives that build a skilled workforce, amplify our voice in advocacy, and connect…
The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has been recognized with the “Highest Achievement in Communications” award for a chamber of its size by the Colorado Chamber Alliance (CCA), a statewide network representing more than 75 chambers of commerce and over 50,000 businesses across Colorado. The award highlights the Chamber’s excellence in strategic storytelling, community…
Last week, more than 150 emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders gathered for the 2025 Western Slope YP Summit, hosted by the Young Professionals Network in partnership with the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. The annual event has become a signature experience for rising professionals across Western Colorado, offering a full day of connection,…
The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2025 class of BestSlope NEXTGen Honorees — an annual recognition celebrating Mesa County’s emerging leaders who are shaping the future of business and community through their dedication, innovation, and impact. This year’s honorees represent the depth and diversity of talent that continues to…
This Fall’s election may not carry the same headlines as past years, but the choices on the ballot are no less important to the health of our economy and the strength of our community. Elections shape the environment in which businesses operate—impacting policies, resources, and, most importantly, the readiness of our future workforce. That is…
On October 1, 2025, the U.S. federal government entered a shutdown after Congress failed to pass funding legislation for the new fiscal year. While the duration of the shutdown remains uncertain, businesses across the country — including here in Mesa County — may feel ripple effects. The Grand Junction Chamber’s goal is to provide clear,…
Recently, national thought leader Mark Perna visited Grand Junction to share his message about unleashing the passion, purpose, and potential of the younger generation. His keynote, brought to our community in partnership with the Business Incubator Center and the D51 Foundation, centered on a theme we couldn’t agree with more: investing in our youth is…
When national leaders debate trade policy, it can feel like a distant conversation. But for Mesa County businesses, tariffs are not an abstract issue — they are shaping costs, competitiveness, and the confidence to invest in our community. This summer, the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce conducted a flash poll to better understand how tariffs…
The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a Candidate Forum for Mesa County Valley School District 51 Board of Education candidates. This event, part of the Chamber’s endorsement process that also includes questionnaires and candidate interviews, gave the business community a direct look at the priorities and perspectives of those seeking to lead…
Last week, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce submitted formal comments on the Colorado Department of Transportation’s proposed 2050 Statewide Transportation Plan. For Western Colorado businesses, this plan is not just a roadmap for infrastructure—it is a roadmap for economic stability, competitiveness, and growth. Our comments made clear that the current funding model leaves…
Grand Junction, CO — The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce (GJACC) has been awarded $99,994 through the Office of the Future of Work at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary Grant program. GJACC is one of six organizations in Colorado to receive funding as a recognized Intermediary for Industry. This…
September marks Workforce Development Month, and at the Grand Junction Chamber, this is a time for us to reflect on the partnerships, programs, and people that prepare Mesa County for the future. Workforce development is more than just filling jobs; it’s building strong, sustainable connections between education, business, and community – ensuring that our region…
This past Wednesday, more than 100 industry leaders, energy employers, and end users gathered at the Grand Junction Convention Center for the Grand Junction Area Chamber’s annual Energy Summit. The day was marked by thoughtful dialogue, candid discussion, and a focus on the realities and opportunities that will shape Colorado’s energy future. Evan Walton, 2025…