The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has been recognized by the Western Association of Chamber Executives with the Outstanding Chamber Program Award for Large Chambers for its regional workforce initiative, WestSlope Works.

The award goes to chamber programs that demonstrate measurable impact, strategic leadership and the ability to be replicated by chambers across the country. WestSlope Works was selected from among many chamber submissions across the western half of the United States, underscoring the program’s local effectiveness and its national relevance within the chamber industry.

“This award is incredibly meaningful in recognizing the work happening between area employers, partners and the chamber to solve workforce challenges in practical ways,” said Alessandra Muse, director of business development at the Grand Junction Chamber. “WestSlope Works was built to meet businesses where they are, remove barriers and create opportunities that actually work for our region, and this recognition affirms that approach.”

Launched in 2023 with seed funding from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), WestSlope Works is a regional workforce initiative led by the Grand Junction Chamber to grow and strengthen the talent pipeline across Western Colorado through high-quality, high-impact work-based learning experiences. The program addresses one of the most persistent challenges facing employers today: the gap between workforce needs and available talent.

By intentionally convening employers, educators, workforce partners and community organizations, WestSlope Works helps bridge the divide between education and employment. The program supports businesses in designing meaningful work-based learning opportunities while connecting individuals of all ages to hands-on experiences that build skills, confidence and clear career pathways aligned with industry demand.

To learn more about the WestSlope Works program, visit gjchamber.org/westslopeworks.