Participants of the Denver Region Talent Summit engage in group work, hosted by the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce.
The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has been selected by the State of Colorado to host the Western Region Talent Summit as part of a bold, statewide initiative to tackle persistent workforce shortages and shape Colorado’s future economy.
The Summit—scheduled for May 12, 2025, at the Mesa County Workforce Center—will bring together thought leaders, business owners, educators, and workforce professionals from across ten counties, including Delta, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Mesa, Moffat, Montrose, Ouray, Rio Blanco, and San Miguel. These convenings are part of the Regional Talent Summits Act, passed by the Colorado General Assembly under House Bill 24-1365, and are aimed at creating tactical workforce development plans focused on industries facing some of the most significant talent shortages.
For the Western Region, those key industries include Construction, Early Childhood Education, and Healthcare—fields that not only sustain communities across the counties that are represented but also shape long-term economic resilience. The Chamber is honored to take the lead in organizing the Western Summit, one of just seven happening statewide, and is committed to ensuring that voices from across this large and diverse region are not only heard—but amplified.
Through deep industry engagement, targeted data collection, and an intentional effort to capture regional nuance, the Summit will provide critical input into the development of the Western Colorado Regional Workforce Plan. This plan will be included in the 2025 Colorado Talent Pipeline Report, serving as a blueprint for workforce development strategies across the state for the next five years.
In collaboration with a statewide Program Facilitator and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), the Chamber will help guide the dialogue, invite participants with firsthand knowledge of the workforce gaps, and ensure that this is more than just a conversation—it’s a call to action. Each Summit, including the Western Region’s, will generate actionable strategies, backed by local insight and data, to drive career pathways, address education and training gaps, and promote economic vitality across the region.
Workforce development is not a one-time event—it’s an ongoing commitment. That’s why annual progress will be reported through 2030, ensuring transparency and accountability as all regions work toward meaningful solutions.
“This Summit gives us a powerful opportunity to bring our region’s voices to the table and shape real solutions for the future of our workforce,” said Candace Carnahan, President & CEO of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. “We know the challenges—now it’s time to design strategies that reflect our unique strengths and build a resilient, thriving economy for Western Colorado.”
The Chamber looks forward to representing Western Colorado with integrity and energy—and welcomes the participation of regional partners, employers, and community champions to help shape a stronger talent pipeline for years to come.