FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (April 7, 2017 | Grand Junction, CO) – The Western Colorado Economic Summit will return on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, to the University Center at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colo. In its second year, the event promises to be an inspiring and action-packed day for an anticipated audience upward 400 people. In addition to the morning conference sessions, the Summit will include an afternoon interactive visioning forum, where attendees will help prioritize goals for the community and its economic future.

“Our theme this year is innovation – how we as a community can foster innovation and break down any barriers toward growing an innovation eco system in Colorado’s Grand Valley,” said Kristi Pollard, executive director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP). The event is hosted by GJEP in partnership with Coldwell Banker Commercial Prime Properties, Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties and Major Mortgage.

“We are excited to bring in knowledgeable speakers from outside of our community to help inspire us in the morning,” Pollard continued. “In the afternoon, we plan a lively and productive conversation on how we as a community want to progress and where we want to focus our economic development resources in the years to come. Expect to leave this year’s Summit with a to-do list for each of us.”

The Summit will kick off at 8 a.m. (doors open 7:30 a.m.) on June 6th with breakfast and a lineup of expert speakers to address topics such as K-12 education, technology, healthcare, real estate, site selection, outdoor recreation and entrepreneurship.

Ben Collins, Fox News Commentator, will be the keynote address during the 12 p.m. luncheon. Collins is a decorated U.S. Army Special Forces veteran who completed multiple combat rotations in Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Following his release from active service, Collins became a serial entrepreneur, founding several businesses, including two software companies. He serves as a regular commentator on national security and other issues on Fox News, and has a personal passion for developing rural communities.

An all-access pass for $75 includes entry to all of the full and breakout sessions in the morning, a seat at the luncheon, and participation in a two-hour afternoon visioning session. Lunch-only passes are also available for $50.

For more information on the 2017 Western Colorado Economic Summit, including speakers and agenda, please visit westcoeconomicsummit.com. Updates will also be shared via social media using hashtag #westcoeconomics.

To view this release as a PDF, click here.