Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce

09/01/2026

Alignment between our talent and our employers is critical to close the skills gap across our business community.

We hope to see you all there for this informative and impactful training!

The Mesa County Workforce Development Board is pleased to invite local business leaders and employers to a Skills-First Talent Development Training on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026.

Finding and retaining the right talent continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing employers. This interactive workshop will help local businesses explore a skills-first approach to recruiting, hiring and retaining employees by focusing on the skills and competencies needed for success. Participants will learn practical strategies they can apply within their organizations, including:

Skills Mapping - Identify the skills and proficiency levels employees need to succeed in priority roles.

Writing Skills-First Job Descriptions - Learn how to create job descriptions that focus on the skills needed for success, helping employers attract a broader and more qualified pool of candidates.

Skills-First Screening and Interviewing - Learn how to evaluate candidates based on their skills, work examples and competencies.

The workshop is designed for employers and organizational leaders who want to strengthen their approach to workforce development and build a talent strategy that focuses on what candidates can do. Breakfast, snacks and a workbook are included with registration.

Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Date: Monday, Sept. 21, 2026
Place: Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 ½ Rd
Cost: $30 per person

Local businesses, community resources and workforce partners all play a role in building a strong workforce. This training is an opportunity for employers to gain new tools, connect with others and explore practical solutions to one of the most pressing issues facing businesses today: workforce development.

Purchase your tickets today! https://www.mesacounty.us/wfc/mesa-county-workforce-summit-2026

09/01/2026

Nearly 200 young professionals came together at the Western Slope YP Summit, digging into everything from their own leadership strengths and difficult conversations to influence, career paths, and finding their place in the community.

YPN Board Member Leonela Castellon of SEA Strategy and Design summed up one of our favorite takeaways: “One of my biggest takeaways from the YP Summit was not to define ourselves by our job titles, but by the skills we want to build, the problems we care about, and the impact we hope to make.”

That’s what Purpose. Place. Possibility. was all about.

A huge thank you to the attendees, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and partners who brought the day to life and to everyone who participated!

Here’s to carrying that momentum forward! 🚀

Presented by Alpine Bank, Community Hospital, Grand Junction, Colorado, and FCI Constructors.

📸Ryan Sanchez - Photographer

08/28/2026

Business networking on the fairway! ⛳️

One of the Chamber’s biggest events of the year is right around the corner! Bring your team, invite a client, and spend the day connecting with professionals from across Mesa County! All with a little friendly competition along the way.

Spots are filling up fast! Secure your spot at the 33rd Annual Chamber Golf Tournament!
www.gjchamber.org/events

Presented by Landmark Staffing and Alpine Bank.

08/27/2026

🚀 One connection can change a trajectory.

We're proud to launch ELEVATE Mesa County, a mentorship program built to connect emerging professionals with experienced leaders across Mesa County. Over the course of 10 weeks, participants will engage in one-on-one mentorship, gain new perspectives, expand their professional network, and grow through meaningful conversations and shared experiences.

Whether you're an established leader looking to give back or a professional looking to grow, ELEVATE is an opportunity to invest in the future of our community while building relationships that matter.

✅ Mentor Opportunities Available
✅ Emerging Professional Applications Open
✅ Limited Fall 2026 Cohort

Applications close September 25.
🔗 Learn more: gjchamber.org/elevate

08/21/2026

Yesterday, we said goodbye to a very special member of our Chamber team. 💙

After more than four and a half years with the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, Allison Ellington is beginning her next chapter.

Throughout her time with us, Allison brought an incredible dedication to our mission and to the businesses and people we serve. Whether she was welcoming a new member, building relationships across our community, celebrating a local business, or simply jumping in wherever she was needed, she brought a smile, a big heart, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Allison has been part of countless Chamber events, celebrations, milestones, conversations, and connections. More importantly, she has built relationships and left a lasting impression on so many throughout our business community.

We are incredibly grateful for the energy, heart, and dedication Allison has given to the Chamber and to Mesa County’s business community.

Please join us in thanking Allison for all she has contributed and wishing her the very best in her next chapter. We know she’ll continue to make an impact wherever she goes. 💙

08/14/2026

Cornerstone Insurance and Financial Group is an independent commercial property and casualty insurance agency serving Western Colorado. As an independent agency, Cornerstone isn't tied to a single carrier. The team shops a wide range of insurance companies to build coverage that fits each client's needs, with a proven track record of finding rate relief while maintaining robust, comprehensive coverage packages. Cornerstone leads with coverage first, ensuring clients are properly protected before cost ever enters the conversation.

Ariel Hollibaugh is a licensed commercial insurance broker that specializes in commercial property and casualty insurance for associations (HOAs, condominium associations, and commercial associations), trade services, retail, and hospitality businesses.

We’re excited to welcome them!

08/13/2026

We had a fantastic time at Village Inn Restaurants - 1910 North Ave., Grand Junction, CO for this month's Networking@Noon!

Over a great lunch, local professionals, business owners, and community leaders came together to connect, share ideas, and strengthen relationships within our business community!

What makes Networking@Noon so valuable is the opportunity to slow down and have meaningful conversations. From discussing new opportunities to learning more about one another's businesses, the connections built around the table help create a stronger, more connected Grand Valley.

A huge thank you to the Village Inn team for their hospitality and to everyone who joined us. It's always encouraging to see conversations continue long after lunch is over!

We are looking forward to seeing you on September 16th at the next Networking@Noon featuring 7th St Community Cafe hosted at the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce.

08/13/2026

Ogden Family Pest Control is a family-owned pest protection company proudly serving Mesa County. They offer general pest control (ants, spiders, roaches), specialty treatments (scorpions, bed bugs, mosquitos) and rodent control (mice, rats). The team offers free estimates, reliable scheduling and honest recommendations from over seven years’ experience in the field for your specific concerns.

The owner says, “Over the years I have had the pleasure of dealing with all manner of things creepy, crawly, slimy, or just plain icky! I look forward to a future serving Mesa County, its wonderful inhabitants, and their unique brand of creepy crawlies!” Connect with them by calling 970-589-3655.

We’re excited to welcome them!