---
title: "2026 Western Colorado Economic Summit: Morning Keynote"
image: https://info.gjep.org/hubfs/Morning%20Keynote_WCES.png
---
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# Western Colorado Economic Summit
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April 23, 2026 8:00 - 9:00 AM Morning Keynote
# Rural Economic Development Forum
## Featuring U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser
Moderated by: President John Marshall, Colorado Mesa University
## About This Session
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 dialogue on strengthening opportunities across Western Colorado and beyond, providing timely insight into policy priorities, public-private partnerships, and strategies to ensure rural regions remain competitive, resilient, and positioned for long-term growth.
### About U.s. Senator
### Michael Bennet
Michael Bennet has represented Colorado in the United States Senate since 2009. Recognized as a pragmatic and independent thinker, he is driven by a sense of obligation to create more opportunities for the next generation. Michael has built a reputation for taking on Washington dysfunction and working with Republicans and Democrats to address our nation's greatest challenges—including education, climate change, immigration, health care, and national security. Before serving in the Senate, Michael worked to restructure failing businesses and helped create the worldʼs largest movie theater chain. As superintendent of the Denver Public Schools, he led one of the most extensive reform efforts in the country, resulting in substantial, sustained academic improvement for Denverʼs children. He lives in Denver with his wife and three daughters.
[Read More](https://www.bennet.senate.gov/about/)
### About Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser
Phil Weiser is serving his second term as the 39th attorney general of the state of Colorado. Since becoming the state’s chief legal officer in 2019, Attorney General Weiser has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving the people of Colorado, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy, and promoting justice for all. Through engagement and collaborative problem-solving, the Colorado Department of Law has achieved significant milestones under Weiser’s leadership. His office has secured over $500 million in consumer relief and led the state's nationally recognized response to the opioid crisis, securing $875 million for recovery and prevention. As a champion for Colorado's economy, Weiser has spearheaded efforts to improve the criminal justice system and advance public safety, defend water rights, support equality, and prioritize youth mental health programs.
[Read More](https://coag.gov/about-us/colorado-attorney-general/)
### Moderated By:
President John Marshall, Colorado Mesa University
John Marshall serves as the 11th president of Colorado Mesa University (CMU), a Human Scale University located in Grand Junction, Colorado, that offers opportunities for a better life through education. Mr. Marshall's professional background includes significant experience in public policy, serving as a senior policy advisor to the Governor of Colorado and as an assistant director of a state agency.
Mr. Marshall holds a BA from Colorado Mesa University and an MPA from the University of Colorado Denver. Active in the community, Mr. Marshall has served on the boards of the Business Incubator Center, Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Mesa County, and Healthier Colorado, where he formerly served as board chair. He continues to serve on the board of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership.
> “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. 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..."
President John Marshall
**Colorado Mesa University**
THANK YOU TO OUR
## PREMIER SPONSORS
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### EXPLORE THE AGENDA
The Western Colorado Economic Summit is where our community comes together to discuss the key topics impacting economic growth and vitality.
*Please click the sessions below to view full details.*
1. 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Full Ballroom
# Morning Keynote: Rural Economic Development Forum
**Featuring U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, moderated by CMU'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 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.
[Read More About This Session](https://info.gjep.org/western-colorado-economic-summit/morning-keynote)
2. 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM Full Ballroom
# Economic Update: Uncovering Regional Data Trends & Implications
**Presented By: Dr. Nathan Perry, Economist and Professor at Colorado Mesa University**
Back by popular demand, Dr. Nathan Perry will guide us in understanding the state of Mesa County and Colorado's economy through an engaging and impactful presentation featuring trends on industry trends growth, employment, sales tax, and more.
3. 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM South Ballroom
# Session Block 1: 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
*Facilitated by: Brad McCloud, Xcel Energy*
Join us for an interactive roundtable discussion with municipal leadership from Mesa County, the City of Grand Junction, the City of Fruita, and the Town of Palisade, featuring updates on current economic development initiatives, strategic priorities across the region, and current community priorities.
This panel discussion is designed to be conversational, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly in dialogues about the future of economic growth in Mesa County.
4. 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM East/West Ballroom
# Session Block 1: More Than A Game—Sports Tourism
**Featuring:**
- Ben Snyder, Grand Junction Sports Commission
- Joey Early, DT Swiss
- Jennifer Stoll, Stoll Strategies
*Moderated by Jamie Hamilton, Mountain West Insurance*
Sports Tourism has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of the visitor economy, driving year-round tourism, facility investment, and community visibility. From youth tournaments and major competitions to outdoor recreation-centered activities, destinations like Mesa County are increasingly leveraging sports to attract visitors, support local businesses, and enhance our quality of place.
This session will explore how sports tourism contributes to economic development beyond the playing field. Panelists will discuss what makes a destination competitive, the partnerships required to drive visitation, and how this sector can align with our long-term growth.
5. 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM UC Room 213
# Session Block 1: From Idea to Investment—Navigating Access to Capital
**Featuring:**
- Marc Nager, Howdy Partners
- Helen Roe, Business Incubator Center
- Cat McIntosh, Sky Peak Technologies
*Moderated by: Matt Bell, Grand Junction Economic Partnership*
Access to capital remains one of the most defining factors in whether a business idea scales, stalls, or succeeds. In today’s competitive investment landscape, entrepreneurs must understand not only where capital exists, but how to position themselves to secure it.
This session brings together a range of perspectives, including ecosystem support from the Grand Junction Business Incubator Center, early-stage venture insights from Howdy Partners, and real-world fundraising experience from regional technology leader, Sky Peak Technologies
6. 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM South Ballroom
# Session Block 2: Commercial Real Estate & Building What's Next
**Featuring:**
- Stephanie Copeland, Four Points Funding
- Elliott Cook, Retail Strategies
- Mike Foster, Coldwell Banker Commercial Prime Properties
*Moderated by: Evan Walton, FCI Constructors*
Commercial development across Western Colorado is entering a new phase, shaped by evolving market demands, shifting financial conditions, and updates to key economic development tools. Understanding where opportunities exist is critical for communities and businesses alike.
This panel brings together perspectives from retail strategy consulting, commercial brokerage, and capital access to explore emerging trends, how updates to policy frameworks may influence project feasibility, and what resources are available to help move projects forward.
7. 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM East/West Ballroom
# Session Block 2: Economic Engines—Energy & Health Care
**Featuring:**
- Bryan Johnson, Intermountain Health St. Mary's Regional Hospital
- Chris Thomas, Community Hospital
- Ryan Zorn, Liberty Energy
*Moderated by: Chelsie Miera, Western Colorado Oil & Gas Association*
Energy and health care have long served as cornerstones of our regional economy through providing jobs, investment, and essential infrastructure that support broader economic growth. As demographic trends shift, technology advances, and policy changes, the future trajectory of these legacy industries will continue to shape our next chapter.
This conversation brings together perspectives from leading employers, Community Hospital and Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital, and the energy sector (TBD) to explore how healthcare and energy continue to function as economic anchors and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead.
8. 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM UC Room 213
# Session Block 2: Scaling the Future—Tech, Aerospace, and Advanced Manufacturing
**Featuring:**
- Robert Beletic, Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade
- Kyler Cheatham, The Confluencial
- Brandon Regensburger, ExoPower
*Moderated by: Megan Fiedler, Intermountain Health St. Mary's Regional Hospital*
Emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace innovation are reshaping how communities compete in the modern economy. From artificial intelligence-driven efficiencies to next-generation inventions, these industries represent some of the fastest-growing opportunities for economic diversification and high-wage job creation.
This panel discussion will explore how the advanced industries are evolving and what it takes for regions like Western Colorado to compete for innovation-driven companies plus how partnerships across government, industry, and education can support scalable growth.
9. 11:50 AM - 12:30 PM Lounge & Atrium
# Networking Hub & Development Showcase—Presented by Shear Inc.
New to this year's Western Colorado Economic Summit, the networking portion of the event will feature a Development Showcase, highlighting the incoming projects that are shaping our economic landscape.
Featuring development updates from public partners, the Grand Junction Regional Airport, School District 51, private investment, and more!
10. 12:45 PM - 1:15 PM Full Ballroom
# Award Ceremony—Presented by Community Hospital
**Join us in celebrating this year's recipients of the Spirit of Economic Development award, the Joseph C. Prinster Leadership award, and Real Estate Broker of the Year!**
11. 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM Full Ballroom
# Lunch Keynote: The Power & Responsibility of Place by Ryan Short
**This year's lunch keynote will feature an inspirational discussion on the power of civic-led economic development and the roles each of us plays in building a strong community.**
**Ryan Short, CEO and Co-Founder of Civic Brand and the author of the book The Civic Brand: The Power and Responsibility of Place, will highlight the collective influence of tourism boards, economic developers, institutions, nonprofits, artists, businesses, and residents. When these voices align, the brand’s impact multiplies, attracting investment, talent, visitors, and civic pride. This session explores who truly shapes a place brand and how communities can harness that shared influence to keep it authentic, inclusive, and resilient.**
[Read More About This Session](https://info.gjep.org/western-colorado-economic-summit/lunch-keynote?hsLang=en)
Big ideas. Real impact.
## Reserve Your Seat At The Table
The future of our region is shaped by the conversations we have today. Join the region's leaders and innovators in shaping what's next as we come together for a day of insight, collaboration, and momentum.
[Purchase Your Tickets](https://events.humanitix.com/western-colorado-economic-summit-2026/tickets)
$ 150
### Reserved Seating
Save a reserved spot for you and your team to enjoy the conference together.
**Details:**
- Purchase min. = 2 seats ; Purchase max = 8 seats
$ 1,100
### Sponsored Table
**Includes:**
- Reserved seating for your ten (10) guests
- Company logo placement at table
***GJEP Investors receive $100 off! Please contact [karen@gjep.org](mailto:karen@gjep.ortg) to secure your discount code.***
$ 125
### General Admission
Secure general admission seating and join us for the full-day conference
**Details:**
- Enjoy open seating at general admission tables during the event
#### THANK YOU TO OUR FEATURED SPONSORS!
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