FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Grand Junction, Colorado (March 25, 2026)—

The 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, anchored by two timely and thought-provoking keynote sessions focused on the future of rural economies and the power of place. 

Lunch Keynote: The Power & Responsibility of Place by Ryan Short 

The Summit’s lunch keynote, The Power & Responsibility of Place, will be presented by Ryan Short, CEO and Co-Founder of CivicBrand and the author of The Civic Brand.  Short is a nationally recognized leader in place branding and civic identity, having guided engagement-driven branding, placemaking, and destination development initiatives in communities across the United States since 2008, guiding communities toward becoming more vibrant, equitable, and lovable places. He has been published on Forbes.com and is also the host of the Eyes On The Street podcast, exploring the intersection of community, culture, and design through conversations with civic leaders and changemakers. 

In his keynote, Ryan Short will challenge leaders to rethink place branding not as marketing, but as a strategic tool that shapes policy, investment, governance, and long-term economic direction. Designed to move beyond inspiration, Short’s presentation will provide a practice framework and real-world case studies to equip leaders with tools they can apply immediately to strengthen their communities and act as regional ambassadors. 

“Economic development doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it’s shaped by business owners, community leaders, and the decisions they make every day. This is about recognizing the power they have and using it more intentionally,” shared Ryan Short. 

Plus an Interactive Rural Economic Development Forum

Featuring U.S. Senator Bennet and CO Attorney General Weiser 

Announced earlier this month, the Western Colorado Economic Summit will open with 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. 

As Colorado’s communities navigate workforce shifts, housing pressures, infrastructure investment, and economic diversification, this discussion will explore state and federal perspectives on strengthening opportunity across Western Colorado and beyond. The forum will provide timely insight into policy priorities, public-private partnerships, and strategies to ensure rural regions remain competitive, resilient, and positioned for long-term growth. 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 six (6) breakout discussions. Featured breakout sessions will include panel discussions on access to capital, emerging industries, legacy industries, the impact of sports tourism, a municipal leaders roundtable, and commercial real estate.

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. 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. 
  

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