The executive of a cybersecurity firm is expected to share his insights into information technology protection as a keynote speaker at the Western Colorado Economic Summit.

Kurtis Minder, chief executive officer and co-founder of GroupSense, will speak at the summit, set for April 16 at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

Minder has negotiated some of the largest data breach, extortion and ransomware cases worldwide. GroupSense is a leading provider of digital risk services that protects some of the largest businesses and government organizations

“We are honored to have Kurtis Minder speak at this year’s Western Colorado Economic Summit. His unparalleled expertise and visionary leadership will be invaluable in informing our community on the importance of cybersecurity and ways leaders can protect their organizations from potential threats,” says Curtis Englehart, executive director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership. GJEP stages the summit.

Minder says the economic effects of cyberattacks have escalated. “The larger public needs to be better informed on how to protect themselves,” Minder says. “Further, these attacks are impacting critical infrastructure. I am honored to take the stage and discuss how the Western Slope and the Grand Junction community can make a difference.”

Minder will discuss the role of cybersecurity in protecting the operation of business and government entities and, in turn, economic interests. He also will discuss why a tech hub in Mesa County is crucial to protecting infrastructure.

In 2023, Minder partnered with a local cohort that included GJEP and Colorado Mesa University to apply for a tech hub designation. While the application didn’t result in a designation for the Grand Junction area, the work revealed the need to protect infrastructure through cybersecurity measures.

The Western Colorado Economic Summit also will feature a breakfast keynote presentation by Nathan Perry, an associate professor of economics at CMU who prepares quarterly economic updates for Mesa County. Perry will present the latest data for labor, tax collections and other economic indicators.

The summit agenda also includes a conversation with local government leaders as well as sessions on the workforce, tourism, the Grand Junction Regional Airport and downtown Grand Junction.

Coldwell Banker, a founding partner of the summit, will host a panel presentation on the real estate market.

The  Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade  will offer information about available resources for businesses and how the state agency promotes economic development in western Colorado.

Additional sessions will focus on the agriculture and health care sectors.

GJEP will present awards recognizing the efforts of businesses, organizations and individuals involved in economic development in Mesa County.

The Spirit of Economic Development Award will honor a business or organization that demonstrates a strong sense of community awareness and involvement while seeking opportunities to improve the economic vitality of Mesa County. The Joseph C. Prinster Leadership Award will honor an individual who’s made notable contributions to economic development in Mesa County while also demonstrating adaptability, drive and leadership.

General admission tickets to the Western Colorado Economic Summit sell for $100. Sponsored tables sell for $1,000 each and include seating for 10 and company logo placement. For tickets or more information about the summit, log on to www.gjep.org/wces.