FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (May 26, 2017 | Grand Junction, CO) – The results are in from a survey the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) released earlier this month to determine the topics the community would most like to tackle during an afternoon workshop at the 2017 Western Colorado Economic Summit on June 6. The survey and workshop are the first steps toward developing a “2030 Vision” for Colorado’s Grand Valley.

“We are asking the community to help us determine our priorities for the future welfare and economic prosperity of the Grand Valley,” said Kristi Pollard, GJEP Executive Director. “We want your input so that we can develop a ‘checklist’ of key issues we will tackle together over the next decade.”

Voters selected from nine topics and could also take advantage of a write-in option. The topics were determined by a 10-person steering committee of public and private business leaders, led by Todd Conklin, CEO of Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties and Commercial Prime Properties. The topics reflected issues heard throughout the community in the media, through GJEP’s economic development partners and at previous events.

Out of 452 total votes submitted, the topics that received the most votes were:

  • CMU 20,000 (58.41%)
  • Add more direct, daily flights to/from Grand Junction Regional Airport (51.11%)
  • Grow the tech industry (tied 45.80%)
  • Establish a hub for the outdoor recreation industry (tied 45.80%)
  • Reform K-12 Education (44.47%)
  • Revitalize North Avenue (43.58%)

Download a summary of all survey responses here.

Representatives for the topics above will each receive five minutes at the 2030 VISION workshop on June 6 to pitch their topics, after which the floor opens to attendees who want to pitch additional topics or ask questions. Attendees will then choose what topic they want to “workshop” for the next half hour, before reconvening to vote on a set of priorities.

Community members unable to attend the 2030 VISION workshop will be able to view the presentations on www.westcoeconomicsummit.com after the event and submit their votes remotely. Updates on 2030 VISION will also be posted to Facebook and Twitter with #GV2030Vision.

The 2030 VISION workshop will take place during the afternoon of the 2017 Economic Summit. The morning of June 6 includes a packed schedule of impactful speakers, such as Colorado’s Chief Innovation Officer Erik Mitisek and Dr. Arlen Meyers, President and CEO of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs (SOPE). Visit www.westcoeconomicsummit.com to see the full agenda and speaker bios.

The ticket price for an all-access pass to the Summit is $75 and includes the afternoon workshop. Lunch tickets and tables are also available.

Media who wish to cover the event should contact Cilia Kohn at (970) 245 4332 ext. 3 or email cilia@gjep.org.