Gjep 2021 annual report
from the chairman
As this year’s 2022 Board Chairman for the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, one thing rings certain. As we continue to navigate uncertain times, Western Colorado, and specifically Mesa County, is “resilient”. The Grand Junction Economic Partnership will continue to work with other key community partners in Mesa County to recruit diversified industries and to focus on keeping our economy stable with balanced growth.
Like all other business lines, we at GJEP have experienced significant changes. In line with the “great resignation” sweeping the country, several staff members left the organization. Most notably, Robin Brown moved on from the executive director position last August but continues to make a positive impact on our community in her new role at Colorado Mesa University. After a diligent search, we are hopeful that we can announce her successor in May.
I want to say thank you to the GJEP staff for continuing to do great work during these times of transition. I want to thank Interim Director Steve Jozefczyk, who has steered the ship with aplomb these last several months. I also want to express my gratitude to my fellow board members and past chair, Mike Sneddon, who have held steadfast to GJEP’s mission of enhancing the economic vitality of our valley and improving the quality of life for our citizens.
The most recent data from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment shows that Mesa County has had a better job recovery rate since the start of the pandemic than any other part of the state. And, the first quarter economic report from Dr. Nate Perry shows that the median household income in our county went up nearly $4,000, while the median household income across the nation dropped. When I look around our community today, I feel encouraged. People are moving here and bringing jobs with them. Our local businesses are expanding, and construction is booming.
As chair, I look forward to continuing to lead efforts that bring opportunity and economic prosperity to our community, while supporting policies that improve our educational system, and provide roofs over the heads of all our residents. We would not be able to do this work without the continued support of local businesses and our public partners. Together, we continue to set the model for a truly “grand” valley.
Karen Troester
2022 Chairperson of the Board of Directors
GJEP
Economic Snapshot
The pendulum swung on several key economic indicators in 2021, as COVID-19 restrictions lessened and more people returned to work. While the Grand Valley saw modest job growth overall, it actually experienced the highest job recovery rate of any MSA in the state. GDP continued to decline, in part due to exasperated supply chain issues and staffing shortages, yet we saw a welcomed raise in the average annual wage.
Construction and tourism were clear industry leaders last year, as evidenced by another year-over-year increase in building permits and substanital increases in tax revenue. Home values also continued to climb, providing a strong sellers’ market but creating concerns around cost of living for Grand Valley residents and access to affordable or attainable housing. This will be a key issue for the community to solve in the coming year.
In 2021, the Grand Valley experienced…
%
job growth
%
GDP growth
%
Rise in average annual wage
%
rise in home value
%
more building permits
%
higher sales tax revenue
%
lodging tax revenue
GJEP by the numbers
In 2021 we…
we welcomed ladacube back into the community, alongside two fast-growing tech companies: cloudrise and pax 8. We also saw six companies approved through jump-start. while two have unfortuntely since pulled back, Valkyrie Recovery Systems, Sky Peak Technologies, SCORD and Lyttle’s Fleet are holding strong. we look forward to seeing the continued growth of these companies in 2022.
Our top industries for prospects were:
- Outdoor Rec 29%
- Manufacturing 17%
- agribusiness 15%
- TECH 14%
%
GJEP prospects came through a direct inquiry
%
GJEP prospects came from referrals
>negotiated an unprecedented incentive package to retain key employer, west star aviation, in grand junction
>We partnered with colorado mesa university on the gj career passport program, a talent retention effort
>held the 2021 western colorado economic summit with a record 493 attendees
>we launched the gjep welcome wagon, connecting 12 new residents with local ambassadors through a series of special events
2021 earned media included
680 placements
$4.7 million in ad equivalency
reach of 223 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
Positioning Mesa County for What’s Next
Positioning Mesa County for What's Next By Curtis Englehart, CEcD, Executive Director for Grand Junction Economic Partnership (Originally published in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel - January 2026 ) This time of year is ripe with the release of forecasts,...
Ava Health Selects Grand Junction for New Headquarters, Supporting Behavioral Health in Mesa County
Ava Health to Open Headquarters in Grand Junction, Supporting Behavioral Health in mesa CountyGrand Junction, CO (January 14, 2026) Ava Health, an innovative behavioral healthcare provider dedicated to delivering accessible, outcome-driven treatment, has selected...
RAPIDS Advances Mission to Safeguard Colorado River—Awarded $412,558 to Launch Secure Water Management Pilot at Colorado Mesa University
RAPIDS Advances Mission to Safeguard Colorado River—Awarded $412,558 to Launch Secure Water Management Pilot Program at Colorado mesa University PRESS RELEASE—Grand Junction, CO (January 12, 2026) The Economic Development Commission has awarded $412,558 to a Mesa...
Five Economic Development Updates to Watch in Mesa County
Five Economic Development Updates to Watch In Mesa County By Curtis Englehart, CEcD, Executive Director for Grand Junction Economic Partnership (Originally published in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel - December 2025 ) Mesa County continues to experience steady...
Made in Grand Junction: Local Manufacturing On The Map
Made in Grand Junction: Local Manufacturing on the Map By Matt Bell, Business Development Director for Grand Junction Economic Partnership (Originally published in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel - October 2025 ) Although Colorado’s Grand Junction area may seem like...
Partners in Workforce Development: Aligning Education, Opportunity, and Industry Pathways
Partners in Workforce Development: Aligning Education, Opportunity, and Industry Pathways By Curtis Englehart, Executive Director for Grand Junction Economic Partnership (Originally published in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel - September 20, 2025 ) As students...
paid advertising
Reached a target audience of 11.3 million
~Nearly 4x the reach in 2020, despite continuing a pared down advertising approach, focused on media placements in media outlets that provide significant value-add and support GJEP’s role as an economic development leader on the Western Slope.
GJEP.org had
total users
an over 28% increase yoy
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 Britain Garza at (970) 245 4332 ext. 6, or email invest@gjep.org