A Collaborative + Celebratory 40-Year Journey with Grand Junction Economic Partnership

Since 1984, the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) has been nurturing growth across Mesa County, cultivating a flourishing job market, strengthening the economy and enhancing the area's appeal. The 501c(3) nonprofit is celebrating their 40th anniversary with an Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council recognizing their 2023 annual report and a commemorative and festive reception October 29, 2024.

Executive director of GJEP, Curtis Englehart, emphasizes that the successes of the past 40 years do not belong solely to GJEP but are a true reflection of the collective effort and strength of the entire county. 

“Grand Junction has a spirit of collaboration,” Englehart depicts. “A win for Mesa County is a win for our community. We are celebrating together [and] are able to collaborate, without egos in the room.”

This Excellence in Economic Development Award stands as a tribute to the generosity that unfolds behind the scenes, both in financial contributions and dedicated efforts, director of marketing and communication Selena Sanchez explains. GJEP's outstanding performance plays a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the field of economic development in Mesa County.

“A win is a relocation or expansion in Mesa County,” Englehart says. Meaning, when a company sets up shop in the county, the people of the Grand Junction area directly reap the rewards on a local lifestyle level, leading into their everyday lives.

It is not common to find a rural community with long-term economic success and development. But Mesa County is one of them. In fact, for every $1 invested in GJEP in 2023, the organization generated $65 in economic impact. This includes furthering job creation, capital expenditure, increasing average annual wages and expanding primary jobs.

“We are going to continue to diversify the economy with a smart growth mindset,” Englehart shares. Last year, the organization was able to support 10 business relocation or expansions into the community and assist 16 local businesses. These efforts, along with continued efforts to support past wins, amounted to 161 new primary jobs created, over $33 million in new capital expenditure impact and a total economic impact of $52,270,078.

He explains that, from a business standpoint, this does not mean GJEP invites anyone and everyone into Mesa Country. Rather, GJEP vets each business as much as each business vets them, if not more, in order to find the right fit for the community, leveraging sustainable and long-term growth. When a business is thriving in Mesa County long term, the said business is a job creator, expanding the tax base and infrastructure development.

GJEP strives to “not just make a living wage [for residents], but a wage where [residents] enjoy the fruits of Mesa County, so everyone can work, live and play,” Englehart passionately says.

This resilient and robust economy captivates jobseekers from both Denver and Salt Lake City, driving more traffic and income to the Grand Junction area’s local businesses. Englehart also emphasizes the importance of job security for locals. He proudly shares that Colorado Mesa University just had their biggest graduating class this past spring. This exciting news brings a huge workforce pipeline to local and/or Mesa County-based businesses.

GJEP promotes Mesa County’s businesses through multi-media advertising, public relations, website development, trade shows and more. On the relocation and expansion side of the business, GJEP aids in customized business service packaging. This includes site selection and real estate support, community connections, incentive identification and more. Englehart and his team, along with their generous stakeholders and investors, build strong connections that elevate our community.

“It is more than just a job,” Englehart elaborates. “It is a passion. And when you get smart, passionate people together, it is amazing what you can accomplish.” That is the secret behind GJEP’s remarkable 40-year history. The next 40 years promise continued economic growth in this resilient, dependable and thriving community.

Celebrate Mesa County’s success over the past 40 years October 29, 2024, from 5-8 p.m. at a board member’s home. The event will be capped at 150 attendees, so do not wait to get your tickets. Please email selena@gjep.org to secure your spot. Tickets are $50, and this includes food and drink. Expect local food, drinks and resources in a gorgeous, intimate setting. There will be past and present board members and pillars of the community present, and many toasts to the visionary GJEP leaders who started it all.

To learn more about GJEP’s no-cost business development services or to partner with the organization’s efforts by becoming an investor, visit gjep.org.

This spotlight is a sponsored partnership.