GRAND JUNCTION, Colo., May 16, 2023 – The Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) announced the expansion of efforts to attract new businesses to Mesa County and stimulate job and economic growth. The $200,000 grant from ZOMA Foundation will provide additional capacity for GJEP operations as the organization works to diversify the local economy, focusing on primary jobs. The operational funding will aid GJEP’s proactive recruitment efforts and cannot be used for incentives.  

“GJEP is committed to making the Grand Junction area a place of opportunity for generations to come by diversifying our economy and bringing primary jobs to our community,” stated Executive Director Curtis Englehart. “We are grateful for ZOMA Foundation’s partnership and their shared vision for rural economic development.” ZOMA Foundation supports rural communities across Mesa County to catalyze economic opportunities, strengthen economic resilience, and potentially serve as models for other communities. 

As a non-profit organization, GJEP provides free business development services and operates with the support of the community, investors, and economic development partners. The organization plans to utilize the grant to generate new leads and prospects as GJEP expands its proactive recruitment efforts. 

GJEP works to create quality jobs and expand capital investment in Mesa County through the attraction, expansion, and retention of primary business. The organization has seen much success over the years and has helped recruit businesses in the healthcare, technology, aviation & aerospace, energy, agribusiness, and outdoor recreation industries.  

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership’s team connects businesses with local, state, and federal incentives and provides unique portfolios of available land and commercial real estate by working directly with brokers. GJEP also provides relocation support and services while championing Western Colorado.  

In 2022, GJEP released its annual report citing seven wins in the form of a business expansion or relocation and nine local assists. GJEP’s work supported the creation of 83 actual jobs in 2022 and 333 potential jobs with a total economic impact of $15,690,242. 

Additionally, GJEP acts as a voice for the region by promoting the community’s success stories and opportunities for business. The organization is also responsible for hosting the Western Colorado Economic Summit and prioritizes collaboration with pro-business economic development partners to build lasting relationships that benefit the community.  

—————–

About the Grand Junction Economic Partnership 

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 501c3, GJEP offers free services that help businesses navigate incentives and opportunity zones and connect with realtors and developers, the workforce, local leadership, and more. Visit www.gjep.org for more information.  

About ZOMA Foundation 

ZOMA Foundation was founded by Ben and Lucy Ana Walton to catalyze systemic, scalable solutions to key issues facing their home regions of Colorado and Chile to support the development of resilient, thriving communities that will endure for future generations. Using philanthropy as a catalytic tool, ZOMA Foundation seeks to explore traditional and non-traditional methods, pilot new models, and incubate place-based approaches in service of advancing systems change in early childhood and community economic development. 

Media Contact: 

Selena Sanchez | Director of Marketing & Communications, GJEP 

selena@gjep.org | 970-245-4332 ext. 6