Grand Junction Economic Partnership EArns Two Excellence in Economic Development Awards

Grand Junction, CO (August 20, 2026)—

Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) has been awarded two 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards at the silver level from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Recognized for the 25,000 – 200,000 population group, GJEP is being honored in both the Economic Development Organization of the Year category and the Annual Report category.

Each year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field. The Grand Junction Economic Partnership is recognized for its overall economic impact, operational efficiency, public-private partnerships, and innovation advancing regional economic narratives and sector storytelling.

“The Grand Junction Economic Partnership is leading the field of excellence in economic development. This recognition shines a spotlight on GJEP’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “IEDC is honored to recognize the Grand Junction Economic Partnership with two Silver Level Excellence in Economic Development Awards as EDO of the Year and for its Annual Report, demonstrating leadership and innovation in the field.”

GJEP’s core services include site selection assistance, incentive packaging, strategic marketing, prospect development, workforce alignment, and convening regional partnerships, with an overarching goal of advancing economic vitality in Mesa County, CO through industry diversification, primary job creation, and new capital investment.

GJEP measures impact through the number of jobs created and retained, employment impact, and capital expenditure impact. The organization’s economic impact has trended upward year-over-year, reporting a record-breaking $194,872,443 in 2025 and 224 primary jobs created/retained. For every $1 invested in GJEP, the organization generated $202 in economic impact.

“Our mission is to proactively support economic development through strategic business attraction and expansion efforts. Our staff and board of directors work closely alongside economic development partners to be very intentional about the businesses we engage, focusing on high-growth industries with the ability to facilitate the creation of new primary jobs that enhance the quality of life in Mesa County,” said Curtis Englehart, Executive Director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership. “We are honored to receive this recognition from the International Economic Development Council, reflecting the strength of our community and GJEP’s commitment to supporting economic development.”

The IEDC commends the Grand Junction Economic Partnership for its work in advancing economic diversification and impact, as well as its progress in advancing signature programming including the Western Colorado Economic Summit, the Site Selector Familiarization Tour, Talent Attraction & Relocation Resources, its Annual Report & Market Overview, and the RAPIDS pilot program in partnership with Colorado Mesa University.

This year’s awards take on special meaning, as IEDC celebrates its 100th anniversary. In recognizing excellence in economic development, IEDC and its partners are celebrating successes and shining a spotlight on programs that inspire and prepare the field for the next century of economic development.

To view the Grand Junction Economic Partnership’s award-winning Annual Report detailing initiatives and economic impact, please visit www.gjep.org/annual-report.  

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About Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP)

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. 

About the International Economic Development Council (IEDC):

Based in Washington, D.C., IEDC is the world’s largest association for economic developers. Originating a century ago, IEDC is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that represents the entire economic development profession. Members include practitioners in economic development through local, state, provincial, and federal governments, non-profits, public-private partnerships, entrepreneurial support organizations, chambers of commerce, utilities, universities, and a variety of other organizations.

IEDC is the leading voice in driving the future of the field. IEDC provides professional development through courses and certifications, networking, conferences, research, policy advocacy, partnerships, and other valuable offerings to economic development professionals across the globe.

For more information, please visit www.IEDC.org.