Gjep 2020 annual report
from the chairman
I was honored and excited to take the helm of the GJEP board this year. After an unprecedented year filled with struggles for our community and beyond, the Grand Valley has emerged a leader in economic development. Our remote workforce grew, our real estate market exploded, and several businesses relocated here in spite of – and because of – the pandemic. Internally, the GJEP team pivoted to support local recovery efforts and we also spent significant time getting our ducks in order to address new opportunities, positioning us for a strong 2021.
This year, we have already launched several exciting new projects. We have a “Welcome Wagon” that connects new recruits with locals in order to help them better acclimate to the area – and keep us connected to the businesses we helped bring to the valley. We have a Digital Ambassadors program that taps us into the social networks of local ambassadors and helps spread our messaging far and wide. We have created a Digital Economy & Remote Work Plan to better address the changing face of our workforce.
Together, these efforts represent a shift in our strategy. While GJEP remains committed to our primary goals of diversifying the economy and creating jobs by recruiting new business into the Grand Valley, we are also embracing our wider mission of improving the quality of life for our community members. We are looking beyond the “wins” to how we can better support and sustain the things that make this community truly special, even as we continue to grow.
Our newest staff member, Nicole Troester, who joined us in early 2020, has created a 2021 fundraising plan that will ensure that GJEP can continue to move forward with these efforts. I am grateful to all of the staff and my fellow board members for all of your diligent work. I am also thankful to all of the businesses and partners who have continued to support GJEP, even through this last year. Together, we are paving a wonderful path for the New West.
Mike Sneddon
2021 Chairman of the Board of Directors
GJEP
Economic Snapshot
COVID-19 had an enormous impact on economies worldwide. The Grand Valley was no exception, however, our community fared better than many of our counterparts. Despite negative GDP growth, we saw less of a decline than the country, which saw -3.5 growth. The jobs lost due to COVID-19 were primarily in the hospitality and retail sector, – jobs we hope to see recovered soon – while we saw new job opportunities in higher-wage sectors like technology, increasing our average annual wage. According to the Milken Institute Best Performing Cities Index, Grand Junction ranked #12 among small U.S. cities for job growth 2019-2020.
We also saw an increase in home values and building permits, as more people chose to migrate away from more urban areas to the Grand Valley. With COVID vaccines flowing through our community and restrictions easing up, we forecast a quick recovery and strong 2021.
In 2020, the Grand Valley experienced…
%
job growth
%
GDP growth
%
Rise in average annual wage
%
rise in home value
%
more building permits
%
higher sales/use tax revenue
%
lodging tax revenue
GJEP by the numbers
In 2020 we…
welcomed tech startup INFOCU5 to the Grand Valley, as well as three bike-related businesses: Canfield Bikes, Kappius Components and Prostart…
And welcomed 3 companies into the Jump-Start tax credit program.
Our top industries for prospects were:
- Outdoor Rec 33%
- Tech 13%
- Manufacturing 13%
%
GJEP prospects came through a direct inquiry
%
GJEP prospects came came from referrals
>we pivoted the 2nd annual techstars startup week west slope to a virtual event with over 400 attendees
>We conducted a valley-wide industry analysis to gauge the impact of covid-19 on the local community
>we added a new position to focus exclusively on real estate development and support the Las Colonias Development corporation
>We organized a press event and media tour of the palisade plunge trail project
>we launched a new business brand and marketing campaign for gjep’s recruitment efforts: “Welcome to the new west”
>We hosted a visit by senator gardner, which included an outdoor recreation industry roundtable and tour of riverfront at as colonias
2020 earned media included
461 placements
$1.6 million in ad equivalency
reach of 175 million
Goose Gear Chooses Grand Junction for Relocation
Goose Gear, a leading outdoor recreation and overland manufacturer, has selected Grand Junction, Colorado, as the site for its new headquarters and was awarded the Job Growth Tax Incentive. Family-owned and operated, Goose Gear specializes in manufacturing high-quality camping systems for vehicle-based recreation that add to the simplicity and comfort of their customers’ outdoor experience
West Star Aviation Embarks on Major 109,000 Sq Foot Expansion in Grand Junction
A long standing contributor and leading employer in Mesa County, West Star Aviation continues to provide quality jobs and serve as a catalyst for economic growth as they undergo a significant expansion.
DT Swiss, A Global Leader Thriving in Grand Junction, Colorado
In the world of high-performance bicycle components, few names resonate as strongly as DT Swiss. With its global headquarters in Biel, Switzerland, and a network of production and sales sites across Germany, Poland, France, the USA, and Taiwan, DT Swiss has established itself as a leader in the cycling industry. But did you know that the company’s North American operations are rooted right here in Grand Junction, Colorado?
Since opening its Grand Junction subsidiary in 1996, DT Swiss has grown exponentially, making significant investments in both its facilities and the local workforce. What started as a dedicated spoke production facility has evolved into a robust operation featuring a state-of-the-art wheel-building department and a comprehensive service center. The company’s expansion in 2021 into a new, spacious building with modern infrastructure is a testament to its commitment to Grand Junction and the North American market.
Supporting the 2024 Bond and Mill Levy Override Strengthens Our Workforce and Economy
Workforce development and economic development go hand in hand. I’ve experienced this as the previous Director of the Mesa County Workforce Center and now as the Executive Director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP).
Earlier this year, I was given the opportunity to co-chair the School District 51 Bond and Mill Levy Override (MLO) Committee. With the support of GJEP’s Board of Directors, I enthusiastically accepted. With my co-chair, Karen Troester, and a dedicated campaign committee, we have been working tirelessly to educate the community on the importance of investing in our schools and students.
This November, voters will have the opportunity to decide on two separate ballot measures that will impact the future of our emerging workforce: The 2024 Bond and the Mill Levy Override.
paid advertising
Reached a target audience of 3.6 million
~ a vast drop from last year due to a concerted effort to cut back on ad spend by nearly 50%.
2021 numbers are already showing a marked improvement.
GJEP.org had
total users
and the bounce rate dropped 12%
Social media followers grew to
total followers
with linkedin breaking 1,000 followers
Thank you to the GJEP board of directors, our community partners and all of our investors for believing in our mission to grow and diversify Colorado’s Grand Valley. As a 501(c)3, GJEP cannot succeed in its mission without the sustained support from our donors.
invest in gjep
When you invest in GJEP, you invest in the economic development of the new west and the community of people behind it.
We thank our current investors for their continued support.
Contact Nicole Troester at (970) 245 4332 ext. 6, or email invest@gjep.org