FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Grand Junction, Colorado (March 11, 2026)— The Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) has announced the 10^th Annual Western Colorado Economic Summit (WCES) with Title Sponsor FCI Constructors and premier sponsors Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital and Grand Junction Federal Credit Union. The event will take place on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Colorado Mesa University, with programming from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

“FCI Constructors is proud to partner with GJEP in support of the Western Colorado Economic Summit. We share a strong commitment to fostering economic growth, strengthening our workforce, and enhancing quality of life across the western slope,” said Evan Walton, President of FCI Constructors. “The Summit convenes leaders and critical conversations necessary to ensure our region’s long-term vitality, and we are honored to support and invest in that important work.”

"Understanding where we are and how we are changing as a community will help us meet the needs of the future for the residents of the Grand Valley. GJEP’s summit uniquely brings together key community stakeholders in a collaborative setting with the goal of helping the region prosper,"  said Bryan Johnson, President of Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital. “This work aligns with Intermountain Health’s mission and commitment to give back to the community in ways that enable people to live their healthiest lives possible.”

 

 "The economic health of our community is a key factor in everything we do, from our schools to roads, adequate local services, housing, and more. Supporting GJEP and this Summit through our sponsorship helps us give back to the community," shared Karen Troester, President & CEO of Grand Junction Federal Credit Union.  

The 2026 WCES is expected to draw a crowd of 500+ attendees, convening business leaders, elected officials, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders for a full-day conference exploring the ideas, industries, and investments driving the regional economy forward. The event will feature two powerful keynotes, which will be announced in the coming weeks, plus six (6) impactful breakout sessions.

Featured programming will include a plenary session with renowned economist and professor at Colorado Mesa University, Dr. Nathan Perry, in which he will present regional economic data trends and their implications. This year’s breakout sessions will include:

• Municipal Leadership in a Competitive Regional Economy
• More Than a Game—The Impact of Sports Tourism
• From Idea to Investment—Navigating Access to Capital
• Scaling the Future—Tech, Aerospace, and Advanced Manufacturing
• Economic Engines—Energy & Healthcare
• Commercial Real Estate & Building What’s Next
  
  

Curtis Englehart, Executive Director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, stated, “The Western Colorado Economic Summit is our community’s opportunity to come together to build what’s next, have critical conversations, and celebrate shared wins.” The Grand Junction Economic Partnership will provide its annual update detailing the organization’s economic impact, recent wins for our community through business relocations or expansions, and upcoming goals. “Every year, we look forward to sharing GJEP’s Annual Report at the Summit, detailing the direction of the organization and the return on investment made by our investors, partners, and community. 2025 was a record year for economic development, with over $194 million in economic impact facilitated by GJEP through the businesses we work with. We are proud to report that in 2025, for every $1 invested in GJEP, we generated $202 in economic impact through local support.”

The Western Colorado Economic Summit will feature opportunities for attendees to network and preview incoming developments during the Development Showcase, a first-of-its-kind interactive expo featuring economic updates from both the public and private sectors.

Additionally, the Western Colorado Economic Summit will host its annual award ceremony to recognize the local champions driving economic vitality. Nominations for the Spirit of Economic Development Award (business or organization), Joseph C. Prinster Award (an individual), and Real Estate Catalyst (commercial broker) are now open at info.gjep.org/western-colorado-economic-summit.

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