Annual Western Colorado Economic Summit Returns in 2022

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) works to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in Colorado’s Grand Valley by supporting high-impact capital investment and job creation.

Expanding business across Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, and surrounding communities, GJEP is the official economic development agency for Mesa County, and continues to inspire business leaders and innovative working solutions.

ColoradoBiz honored GJEP as a Top Company in Nonprofit in 2021, recognizing the company’s drive, determination, visions, and plans that make Colorado a better place to live and work. Entering spring of 2022, GJEP announces the return of the Western Colorado Economic Summit (WCES), held at the Grand Junction Convention Center on Tuesday, April 26. Event Registration is now: Open.

The agenda for 2022, which will be finalized in the coming weeks, is anticipated to bring back many pertinent topics from the last event — including education, workforce development, and attainable housing. It will also touch upon key focus areas derived from the Grand Vision survey, which debuted at the 2021 WCES.

“We feel that it is really important to circle back on many topics that came up in 2021. Not only are we still maneuvering many of these issues six months later, but they also came up as key areas affecting quality of life on the Grand Vision survey,” said Britain Garza, GJEP Community Relations Manager and lead organizer of the WCES.

Garza continued, “The exciting part is that there’s been lots of movement on these issues in our community in this short time frame. We are now seeing opportunity and progress, where in the past we might have had more questions and concerns. We are looking forward to presenting these efforts at WCES.”

The 2021 WCES had nearly 500 attendees, despite being postponed to late September and maneuvering the fall surge in the COVID-19 pandemic. The event moved to the Convention Center for the first time to be able to bring in more guests and support larger breakout sessions.

“Last year’s Summit was postponed due to COVID, yet we had the most successful event to date,” said Steve Jozefczyk, GJEP Interim Director. “We are glad to be able to return to our normal time frame, but also to be back at the Grand Junction Convention Center, where we are able to accommodate for many more attendees.”

In addition to multiple plenary and breakout sessions throughout the day, the event includes GJEP’s annual update and an award ceremony during the luncheon. Two awards will be handed out to an individual and a local company that has had a significant impact on economic development in Western Colorado.

Nominations for the Spirit of Economic Development, sponsored by Charter Communications (business) and the Joseph C. Prinster Leadership Award (individual), are currently being accepted via: email to Britain Garza. The deadline to submit a nomination is end of day March 31.

 

WCES is made possible in large part by its sponsors, including six-time title sponsor Coldwell Banker Commercial Prime Properties/Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Visit: WCES sponsorship page, for details.

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 of Colorado’s Grand Valley (Mesa County). Operating as a 501(c)3, GJEP offers free services that connect businesses with realtors, developers, workforce, local leadership and more. Visit: Grand Junction Economic Partnership, for more information.

About WCES
GJEP launched the Western Colorado Economic Summit, WCES, in 2016 as a forum for regional business leaders, policy makers and community leaders to come together to learn about and discuss the key topics impacting the western slope now and in the future. The event also serves as GJEP’s annual meeting and main fundraising event. Visit: Western Colorado Economic Summit, for more information and registration.