Grand Junction Economic Partnership Announces the 7th Annual Western Colorado Economic Summit

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership has announced the return of the Western Colorado Economic Summit (WCES) with its founding partner, Coldwell Banker. The event will take place on Thursday, April 27 at Colorado Mesa University.

GJEP’s Executive Director, Curtis Englehart, stated, “We are thrilled to be bringing back the WCES in April! This year’s event will be on the campus of Colorado Mesa University. CMU has been a great partner and does incredible work in workforce and economic development. it is very fitting to bring this great event back to CMU.”

The 2023 WCES will include multiple breakout sessions surrounding key economic development topics impacting the region. The day will contain insightful discussions with local leaders on topics including workforce development, housing, mobility, legislation, industry-specific panels and more. Among the sessions will be a discussion on current workforce challenges and strategies for attracting and retaining talent and a session on the CHIPS and Science Act and its potential to drive innovation in Western Colorado. The full agenda will be announced within the coming weeks.

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership will also provide its annual update detailing the organization’s economic impact, recent wins in the form of business relocations or expansions within the region and upcoming goals. Englehart stated, “We have seen great momentum over the last several months, and we are optimistic that it will continue. The WCES allows us to celebrate our collaborative success and inform attendees about key economic development topics that affect us all.”

Each year, the event recognizes a local company and an individual that has significantly impacted economic development within the western slope. Nominations for the Spirit of Economic Development Award and the Joseph C. Prinster Award will be accepted through March 31st.

The Western Colorado Economic Summit is made possible through the support of its sponsors. Managing Director of Coldwell Banker Commercial Prime Properties, Brandon Shuette, stated, “We are very excited to partner with GJEP again for the WCES. It’s a great opportunity to bring local business leaders together to discuss the current state of our market across several industries. We look forward to this event every year.”

Sponsored tables are now on sale. To reserve your table, submit a nomination, or learn more about the event, please visit www.WestCoEconomicSummit.org.

Individual tickets will go on sale starting March 1st.

About the Grand Junction Economic Partnership:
The Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) works to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the Grand Junction area by supporting high-impact capital investment and job creation. GJEP is a single stop for businesses looking to relocate or expand in the cities of Grand Junction and Fruita, the Town of Palisade, and surrounding communities in Mesa County. Operating as a 501(c)3, GJEP offers free services that help businesses navigate incentives and opportunity zones and connect with realtors and developers, the workforce, local leadership, and more. Visit www.gjep.org for more information.