Western Colorado Economic Summit: U.S. Senator Bennet and Colorado Attorney General Weiser to Participate in Rural Economic Development Forum

Written by Grand Junction Economic Partnership | Mar 19, 2026 5:45:00 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Grand Junction, Colorado (March 18, 2026)— The 10^th Annual Western Colorado Economic Summit, hosted by the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, will convene business leaders, elected officials, entrepreneurs, and community partners on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Colorado Mesa University to explore the ideas, industries, and investments moving the regional economy forward. This year’s morning keynote will include a Rural Economic Development Forum featuring U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, facilitated by Colorado Mesa University’s President John Marshall.

Morning Keynote: Interactive Rural Economic Development Forum Featuring U.S. Senator Bennet and Colorado Attorney General Weiser

As Colorado’s communities navigate workforce shifts, housing pressures, infrastructure investment, and economic diversification, this discussion will explore state and federal perspectives from U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. The forum will feature engaging and interactive dialogue on strengthening opportunities across Western Colorado and beyond, providing timely insights into policy priorities, public-private partnerships, and strategies to ensure rural regions remain competitive, resilient, and positioned for long-term growth. Additionally, Summit attendees will have the opportunity to participate in live digital polling, providing direct access to ask questions and share feedback during the forum.

“Economic development in rural Colorado takes focused leadership, and we all know what a huge difference state leadership can make in this area we call home," said Colorado Mesa University’s President John Marshall. "CMU is proud to partner with GJEP and the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel to host this focused conversation with Senator Bennet and Attorney General Weiser to hear more about how they intend to support the western slope."

Attendees will gain direct access to dialogue centered on economic realities and opportunities facing Mesa County and beyond, setting the stage for an impactful day of breakout discussions.

Plus Six Engaging Breakout Sessions:

The Western Colorado Economic Summit will also include a morning plenary session diving regional and state economic data trends and implications, presented by Dr. Nathan Perry, renowned economist and professor at Colorado Mesa University. Following the morning plenary programming, the conference will feature six (6) engaging breakout sessions:

Municipal Leadership in a Competitive Regional Economy
- FEATURING: Todd Hollenbeck (Mesa County), Mike Bennett (City of Grand Junction), Shannon Vassen (City of Fruita), Janet Hawkinson (Town of Palisade), and moderated by Brad McCloud (Xcel Energy)
More Than A Game: The Impact of Sports Tourism
- FEATURING: Ben Snyder (Grand Junction Sports Commission), Joey Early (DT Swiss), and Jennifer Stoll (Stoll Strategies), moderated by Jamie Hamilton (Mountain West Insurance)
From Idea to Investment: Navigating Access to Capital
- FEATURING: Marc Nager (Howdy Partners), Dalida Bollig (Business Incubator Center), Cat McIntosh (Sky Peak Technologies), and moderated by Matt Bell (Grand Junction Economic Partnership)
Scaling the Future: Tech, Aerospace, and Advanced Manufacturing
- FEATURING: Robert Beletic (OEDIT), Kyler Cheatham (The Confluencial), and Brandon Regensburger (ExoPower), moderated by Megan Fielder (Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Hospital)
Economic Engines: Energy & Healthcare
- FEATURING: Bryan Johnson (Intermountain Health), Chris Thomas (Community Hospital), and moderated by Chelsie Miera (Western Colorado Oil & Gas Association)
Commercial Real Estate & Building What’s Next
- FEATURING: Stephanie Copeland (Four Points Funding), Elliot Cook (Retail Strategies), Mike Foster (Coldwell Banker), and moderated by Evan Walton (FCI Constructors)

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership will also provide its annual update detailing the organization’s economic impact, recent wins for our community through business relocations or expansions, and upcoming goals. Additionally, attendees can expect opportunities to network and learn more about key developments throughout Mesa County at the Development Showcase, featuring interactive booths from both the public and private sectors.

The Western Colorado Economic Summit is made possible through the support of its sponsors, including FCI Constructors, Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital, Grand Junction Federal Credit Union, Conquest Development, High Country Beverage, West Star Aviation, and Colorado Mesa University.

Lunch keynote announcement coming soon!

Registration and agenda are available at info.gjep.org/western-colorado-economic-summit

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