The Grand Junction Economic Partnership assisted with business attraction and expansion efforts in 2022 that resulted in a total economic impact of nearly $15.7 million, according to an annual report from the organization.

“We are very pleased with our end-of-year numbers and are excited to share our economic impact and return on investment with our community,” GJEP Executive Director Curtis Englehart stated in a news release. “2022 was a very successful year, and we have great momentum as we start 2023.”

GJEP reported seven of what it termed “wins” — business relocations or expansions — and an additional nine local assists in 2022.

Those wins included EquipmentShare, a construction technology company that expanded into the Grand Junction area. MotoMinded, a motorcycle lighting and accessories manufacturer, relocated from Colorado Springs. Spares in Motion, a global wind turbine parts and repair company, opened its first North American location in Grand Junction.

GJEP assistance in 2022 resulted in 83 actual jobs created and 333 potential jobs, more than $8.9 million in economic impact from job creation, more than $4 million in total capital expenditures and almost $6.8 million in economic impact from capital expenditures.

EquipmentShare alone created 13 new jobs with an average annual salary of $50,000 and spent $3 million in purchasing a building.

Englehart said every $1 invested in GJEP returned $20 in economic impact.

GJEP experienced a year of change in 2022. Englehart was hired as executive director in August after working more than five years as director of the Mesa County Workforce Center.

While Steve Jozefczyk transitioned from interim director back to deputy director, Selena Sanchez joined GJEP as director of marketing and communications and Karen Mahoney was hired as office manager.

Englehart said he expects more wins in 2023 as GJEP continues to work with several prospects, including those in the outdoor recreation, manufacturing and technology sectors.

New leads will be generated through expanded marketing efforts and trade shows, Englehart said, including the Australian International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition.

Mesa County has gained increased recognition, he said. “It is great to see the attention our community is garnering. Our marketing efforts are seeing record engagement levels, and it is also great to see additional projects and stories that highlight our local area, like Grand Junction appearing in the New York Times 52 best places to visit in 2023. It remains an exciting time for this great community.”

GJEP relies on what Englehart termed tools in attracting businesses, including the Rural Jump-Start and Opportunity Zones tax incentive programs and Las Colonias business park.

Spares in Motion was the 26th company accepted into the Rural Jump-Start program in Mesa County offering participating business tax credits and cash grants.

Englehart said GJEP will continue to work with other economic development partners, including the Business Incubator Center and Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as local and state governments.