From the press archives:

Grand Junction, Colorado (March 25, 2025) —

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) has released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting a record-breaking year for economic development in Mesa County. The report details GJEP’s activities over the past year, providing insights into the organization's economic impact, and outlining strategic goals for continued growth.  

As a 501(c)(3) organization, GJEP is dedicated to driving economic vitality across Mesa County including the City of Grand Junction, the City of Fruita, and the Town of Palisade. Through the attraction, expansion, and retention of primary business, GJEP’s mission is to create a strong and diverse economy, enhancing the quality of life in the region through primary job creation and new capital investment. In collaboration with local and state governments, educational institutions, and economic development partners, GJEP offers comprehensive support to businesses considering relocation or expansion.  

The 2024 Annual Report demonstrates a significant milestone for GJEP, overseeing nine quality business relocations and expansions resulting in 299 new primary jobs with an average annual wage of $62,201. Efforts from 2024 are also projected to create an additional 147 new primary jobs in the coming years. The total economic impact from GJEP’s efforts amounts to $91,252,018, a new GJEP record and a significant increase from previous years:  

• 2022: $10,558,889 

• 2023: $52,270,078 

• 2024: $91,252,018 
  

Curtis Englehart, GJEP Executive Director, said, “Measuring our impact is essential in demonstrating GJEP’s value to our stakeholders. Our goal is to increase our economic impact each year and I am proud to report that we have successfully done so. In 2024, for every $1 invested in GJEP, we generated $93 in economic impact.”  

Key accomplishments for the year include adding Amazon’s new last-mile facility, the first on the western slope, representing $25 million in capital investment and 100 new jobs created. Additionally, in 2024, GJEP oversaw the relocation of Goose Gear from Huntington Beach CA, supporting a highly competitive site selection process, helping the company secure the Job Growth Tax Incentive, and partnering with Industrial Development Inc. to provide a relocation incentive, offsetting transportation costs. The report also includes an update on OakStar Bank’s construction of a new facility at the Las Colonias Business Park and GJEP’s role in West Star Aviation’s most recent expansion.  

The report also details GJEP’s use of leveraging programs including the state’s Rural Jump-Start Program and the Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit Program to help companies relocate or expand in the region.

Englehart shared, “Our continued success in driving economic growth in Mesa County is a testament to the collaboration between our staff, board of directors, economic development partners, and community. As we look ahead, we are filled with optimism and determination to build on this momentum and GJEP remains committed to fostering sustainable economic growth, attracting high-quality jobs, and enhancing prosperity in our community.”  

The 2024 Annual Report also contains key resources including an economic snapshot for Mesa County and the highly anticipated Major Primary Employers report, recognizing Mesa County School District 51, Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital, Community Hospital, Mesa County, and Colorado Mesa University among the region’s major primary employers.  

Looking ahead, GJEP reports 131 active prospects in its pipeline with top industries including outdoor, aviation and aerospace, general manufacturing, professional services, construction, and technology. Most of these prospect sources can be attributed to direct inquiries and attendance at industry trade shows, demonstrating the staff’s proactive approach to marketing and business outreach.  

Chris Thomas, President and CEO of Community Hospital and GJEP’s Board Chairman in 2024, said: “I am extremely excited to see what the future holds for GJEP and the Grand Valley. I am continually impressed by the level of talent, leadership, and dedication that GJEP exhibits locally and throughout our region.” 

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership will present its economic impact data and annual update during the Western Colorado Economic Summit Presented by FCI Constructors, happening April 24th at Colorado Mesa University. Additional information including tickets, programming, and speakers can be found at gjep.org/wces.  

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership offers its business development and economic services free of charge. GJEP is primarily funded through the support of its public partners, private investors, and the community at large. To view the Grand Junction Economic Partnership’s full annual report, please visit www.gjep.org/annual-report.  

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