Western Colorado Economic Summit
April 24, 2025
Colorado Mesa University
SOLD OUT!
Thank You to Our Premier Sponsors!
Please join us in
Shaping the Future of Western Colorado
The Western Colorado Economic Summit is the premier gathering of business leaders, policymakers, and economic development professionals dedicated to driving growth and innovation in our region. Hosted by the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, this annual event brings together industry experts to explore key economic trends, investment opportunities, and strategies for sustainable development. Through engaging keynote sessions, insightful panel discussions, and valuable networking opportunities, the Economic Summit catalyzes collaboration and progress in Western Colorado.
Agenda
Sponsors
Speakers
Awards
Ticket Reservations are At Capacity!
Ticket reservations and our waiting list are closed.
Featuring A Lunch Keynote By Luis Benitez
Globally recognized leader in the outdoor industry, passionate advocate, and author
Luis Benitez, a globally recognized leader in the outdoor industry and within public policy, will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Economic Summit. Benitez’ career has spanned the world’s highest peaks, both literally and figuratively. As a former mountaineering guide, he has led more than 30 expeditions to the tallest mountains on every continent, including Mount Everest. His transition from guiding to advocacy has positioned him as a driving force within the outdoor industry.
In addition to his inspiring tales of Everest expeditions and overcoming adversity, attendees can expect to learn from Luis Benitez as he discusses leadership, resilience, economic development, and the role of the outdoor industry in community prosperity.
Luis Benitez is the author of Higher Ground: How the Outdoor Recreation Industry Can Save the World. The book explores the economic significance of public lands, the role of outdoor recreation in community prosperity, and the industry’s growing influence in policy and business development.
FEATURED SESSIONS:
Attendee check-in and breakfast will occur from 7:00 AM – 7:50 AM.
Please check-in prior to entering the ballroom to secure your name badge and table assignment.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Programming begins promptly at 8:00 AM with Opening Remarks presented by Curtis Englehart, Executive Director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, as he sets the stage for this year’s conference and shares GJEP’s 2024 Economic Impact.
Full Ballroom
8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
Bridging Perspectives: Education, Government, & Economic Growth
Join us for an insightful panel discussion with esteemed leaders representing Mesa County, Grand Junction, Mesa County School District 51, and Colorado Mesa University, converging to discuss the shared future of our community. During this session, we will dive into key updates on economic development in their respective regions, areas of collaboration, and strategies for success.
Featuring: Todd Hollenbeck (Mesa County) , Mike Bennett (City of Grand Junction), President John Marshall (Colorado Mesa University), and Dr. Brian Hill (School District 51)
Moderated by: Curtis Englehart (Grand Junction Economic Partnership)
Full Ballroom
8:10 AM to 9:00 AM
Attracting Investment: A Conversation with Site Selectors
Join us for an exclusive panel discussion featuring top site selectors who will share their insights on our region’s strengths, key advantages for business attraction, and areas of opportunity for growth and improvement after participating in GJEP’s Inaugural Site Selector Familiarization Tour. Gain valuable perspectives on what makes a community stand out in the competitive world of site selection and hear their recommendations on how we can position ourselves for future investment and economic success. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the decision-makers who help shape the future of business location and expansion.
Featuring: Christopher Lloyd (McGuire Woods Consulting), Savannah Jermance (Ryan), Jeff Pappas (Newmark), and Sabrina Champagne (Strategic Location Services).
Moderated by: Brad McCloud, Xcel Energy
Full Ballroom
9:00 AM – 9:50 AM
SESSION BLOCK 1
Building a Sustainable Future: Housing Affordability, Policy, and Innovation
Access to affordable housing is a critical issue in Mesa County, impacting economic growth, community stability, and quality of life. This session brings together experts and local leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding housing in our region. This panel will explore the rising cost of housing and the role of policy in development.
Join us for an insightful conversation on innovative solutions, policy considerations, and collaborative efforts to ensure housing accessibility for members of our community.
Featuring: Laurel Cole (Habitat for Humanity), Dan Caris (City of Fruita), Kevin Bray (Bray Real Estate), Abe Herman (City of Grand Junction)
Moderated by: Candace Carnahan (Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce)
East/West Ballroom
10:00 AM – 10:50 AM
By the Numbers: Economic Trends with Dr. Nathan Perry
Back by popular demand, Dr. Nathan Perry, Professor of Economics at Colorado Mesa University, shares an update on Mesa County’s key economic indicators, including unemployment, labor force participation, sales tax, and more.
South Ballroom
10:00 AM – 10:50 AM
Sustaining Our Future: Water, Cyber Resilience, and Agriculture in Mesa County
Mesa County’s future relies on the strength of its water resources, agricultural industry, and technological resilience. This dynamic panel discussion will explore key initiatives shaping our region’s sustainability and security. Experts will discuss innovative water initiatives ensuring long-term resource management, the Resilient & Adaptive Cyber Protection of Industrial Control Devices & Systems (RAPIDS) program safeguarding critical infrastructure, and the role of agriculture in our community’s future.
Featuring: Andy Mueller (Colorado River District), Michael Potter (A&M Consulting for RAPIDS), Bobbie Daniel (Mesa County Commissioner)
Moderated by: Jay Seaton (Grand Junction Daily Sentinel)
UC Room 213
10:00 AM – 10:50 AM
SESSION BLOCK 2
Transportation Solutions: Innovation, Access, and Growth
This breakout panel discussion explores the future of mobility in Mesa County. Experts from Grand Junction Rural Airport (GJT), and the City of Grand Junction will share updates on infrastructure, connectivity, and statewide initiatives. At the same time, local business leaders discuss the impact of transportation on workforce and economic growth.
Featuring: Angela Padalecki (Grand Junction Regional Airport), Trent Prall (City of Grand Junction), Andrew Golike (CoorsTek)
Moderated By: Megan Fiedler (Intermountain Health)
East/West Ballroom
11:00 – 11:50 AM
Cyber Hygiene for Businesses with Kurtis Minder
Join cybersecurity expert Kurtis Minder for an interactive session on best practices to protect your business from cyber threats. Learn how to safeguard sensitive data, recognize potential risks, and implement proactive strategies to enhance your company’s cybersecurity posture.
South Ballroom
11:00 – 11:50 AM
The Business of Creativity: How the Creative Economy Fuels Community Growth
Colorado’s creative industries are powerful economic drivers, from film festivals and public art to digital media and placemaking. This session will explore how businesses, developers, and economic leaders can tap into the creative economy to attract talent, boost tourism, and enhance communities.
Join industry experts to discuss the latest creative economy trends—including the impact of media, workforce development initiatives, and the intersection of the arts and business attraction. With significant opportunities on the horizon, including new legislation supporting film festivals and the upcoming Colorado Creative Industries Conference in Grand Junction, this is the perfect time to explore how creativity fuels success.
Featuring: Arielle Brachfeld (Colorado Office of Economic Development), Dave Goe (Downtown Grand Junction), Jeannine Purser (City of Fruita)
Moderated by: Kayla Bowers (Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce)
UC Room 213
11:00 – 11:50 AM
Lunch Keynote
Challenge Yourself & Change the World with Luis Benitez
A globally recognized leader in the outdoor industry and within public policy, Luis Benitez will share inspiring tales of Everest exhibitions and overcoming adversity as he discusses leadership, resilience, economic development, and the role of outdoor recreation in community prosperity.
Full Ballroom
12:45 – 1:45 PM
Thank you to our Premier Event Sponsors!
Title Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Venue Sponsor
Hosted By
The Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focusing on economic development in Mesa County including the City of Grand Junction, City of Fruita, and the Town of Palisade.
We help businesses discover sustainable growth opportunities as they relocate or expand into the region through a variety of no-cost services, including identifying available programs and incentives, site selection and real estate support, workforce development connections, introductions to state and local leadership, and removing barriers to business.
We are able to foster a vibrant and diverse economy through the support of our investors and the community at large. To learn how you can get involved, please contact Executive Director Curtis Englehart at curtist@gjep.org.
Blog & Latest News
Bruin Waste Launches New Recycling Division in Grand Junction, Joins Colorado’s Rural Jump-Start Program
BRUIN WASTE LAUNCHES NEW RECYCLING DIVISION IN GRAND JUNCTION, JOINS COLORADO'S RURAL JUMP-START PROGRAMGrand Junction, Colorado (April 8, 2025) Today, Governor Polis, the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) and the Grand Junction...
Morgan Mining to Expand in Grand Junction, Creating Up to 893 New Primary Jobs
Today, Governor Polis, the Global Business Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development
and International Trade (OEDIT), and the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) announced that
Morgan Mining, a leading interdisciplinary construction, mining, engineering, and management firm has
selected Grand Junction, CO for expansion. The company is projected to create up to 893 new primary jobs
over an eight-year period and received approval for the Job Growth Tax Incentive, valued at up to $10,890,875
in eligible tax credits, contingent on job creation and salary requirements.
Amazon’s Grand Junction Last-Mile Facility: A Milestone for Western Colorado
Local leaders and community members gathered at 800 Saccomanno Road to celebrate the Grand Opening of Amazon’s new last-mile delivery facility in Grand Junction, Colorado. The state-of-the-art, 38,000 square foot facility marks Amazon’s first major expansion into the Western Slope, signaling a new era of economic growth, job creation, and logical efficiency for the region.
The milestone investment goes beyond getting packages to Mesa County residents more quickly and efficiently—it opens the door to new employment opportunities and impact locally.
