Brandon Leuallen, The Business Times

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership released its 2024 annual report, outlining what proved to be a banner year for economic impact on Grand Junction and the surrounding area.

The report shows the region saw a return of $93 for every $1 invested in GJEP in 2024, demonstrating the organization’s effectiveness in fostering business expansion and attracting new businesses to the area. 

The report showed that in 2024, the total economic impact reached a record $91,252,018 with $32.96 million in capital investments and $58.29 million in capital-expenditure impact. This growth resulted in the creation of 299 new primary jobs, with an average annual wage of $62,201 and a projected 147 future jobs directly from the 2024 wins.

The 2024 numbers beat the previous record of $52,270,078 for economic impact set in 2023.

In 2024, several companies made notable investments in Mesa County. 

Amazon opened its first major expansion in western Colorado with a 38,000-square-foot facility, enhancing delivery speed and efficiency for Grand Junction and surrounding areas. The facility, which generated 100 new jobs, represents a $25 million capital investment.

Amazon’s decision was supported by partnerships between the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, the City of Grand Junction and Mesa County.

The report shows that the collaboration helped Amazon quickly secure a site, and the facility was operational by October 2024. Additionally, Amazon partnered with local workforce development organizations like the Mesa County Workforce Center to hire employees, with 46 percent of new hires coming from previously unemployed individuals.

Goose Gear, a family-owned manufacturer of camping systems, also relocated to Grand Junction in 2024 due to the lack of affordability in Orange County California’s industrial space. GJEP supported the company’s move by helping secure tax incentives and workforce development resources.

Goose Gear plans to create up to 49 new jobs over the next eight years, supported by a Job Growth Tax Incentive.

ExoPower, a company specializing in in-motion wireless-charging technology for industrial robots, moved to Grand Junction from Lafayette, CO, in 2024. The company is part of the Rural Jump-Start Program, which provides tax benefits and grants to tech companies. 

West Star Aviation and Grand Valley Ice are also listed in the report. West Star expanded its facility at the Grand Junction Regional Airport, while Grand Valley Ice is working to meet the demand for premium cocktail ice in local bars and restaurants.

Curtis Englehart, who became executive director of GJEP in 2022, attributes the success to prioritizing staff stability, implementing 4DX goal-setting, and focusing on proactive recruitment strategies through local connections, trade shows and targeted social media marketing. 

Englehart emphasized the importance the organization places on smart growth, particularly not outpacing the expansion of the area’s infrastructure while utilizing existing infrastructure when possible.

He also stressed the need for businesses to become long-term community partners, contributing positively to the region’s growth.

“We want businesses to thrive here, be engaged in the community, and stay for the long haul,” he said.

For prospect development the report shows 30 leads, 80 Level 1 leads, 14 Level 2 leads, and seven Level 3 leads. Englehart outlined the different levels of leads in the business recruitment process.

The first level, “Lead,” refers to the initial contact with a potential prospect.

“Level One” involves more engagement, such as meetings with the prospect and providing them with program and incentive details.

At “Level Two,” the prospect has participated in a site visit, which may include touring local facilities or meeting with the State Office of Economic Development and International Trade to discuss possible incentives.

“Level Three” is when the prospect is in the decision-making phase, either waiting for Economic Development Commission approval for an incentive package or deciding whether to proceed with their relocation or expansion plans in the area.

Looking ahead, Englehart expressed confidence about the future, highlighting the organization’s success in aiding Morgan Mining’s expansion into the former Halliburton facility on 30 road in early 2025, marking the largest deal in GJEP’s history.

He also expressed optimism about the pipeline of potential developments in 2025.