Democrat gubernatorial candidates U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser will be part of the morning keynote during the 10th Annual Western Colorado Economic Summit on April 23 at Colorado Mesa University.

The summit, hosted by the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, will convene business leaders, elected officials, entrepreneurs and community partners to explore the ideas, industries and investments moving the regional economy forward. The morning keynote will include a Rural Economic Development Forum featuring Bennet andWeiser, facilitated by CMU President John Marshall.

The forum discussion will explore 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.

“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,” Marshall said.

Summit attendees will have the opportunity to participate in live, digital polling, providing direct access to ask questions and share feedback during the forum.

The Western Colorado Economic Summit also will include a morning plenary presentation from CMU economist and professor Nathan Perry, analyzing regional and state economic data trends and implications.

Following the morning programming, the conference will feature six breakout sessions:

• Municipal Leadership in a Competitive Regional Economy – featuring Todd Hollenbeck (Mesa County), Mike Bennett (City of Grand Junction), Shannon Vassen (City of Fruita) and Janet Hawkinson (Town of Palisade); moderated by Brad McCloud (Xcel Energy).
• More Than A Game: The Impact of Sports Tourism – featuring Ben Snyder (Grand Junction Sports Commission), Joey Early (DT Swiss) and Jennifer Stoll (Stoll Strategies); moderated by Jamie Hamilton (Mountain West Insurance).
• From Idea to Investment: Navigating Access to Capital – featuring Marc Nager (Howdy Partners), Dalida Bollig (Business Incubator Center) and Cat McIntosh (Sky Peak Technologies); moderated by Matt Bell (Grand Junction Economic Partnership).
• Scaling the Future: Tech, Aerospace, and Advanced Manufacturing – featuring Robert Beletic (OEDIT), Kyler Cheatham (The Confluencial) and Brandon Regensburger (ExoPower); moderated by Megan Fielder (Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Hospital).
• Economic Engines: Energy & Healthcare – featuring Bryan Johnson (Intermountain Health) and Chris Thomas (Community Hospital); moderated by Chelsie Miera (Western Colorado Oil & Gas Association).
• Commercial Real Estate & Building What’s Next – featuring Stephanie Copeland (Four Points Funding), Elliot Cook (Retail Strategies) and Mike Foster (Coldwell Banker); moderated by Evan Walton (FCI Constructors).

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership also will provide its annual update, detailing the organization’s economic impact, recent wins for Grand Junction through business relocations or expansions, and upcoming goals.

Attendees will have opportunities to network and learn more about key developments throughout Mesa County at the Development Showcase, featuring interactive booths from the public and private sectors.

The Western Colorado Economic Summit is made possible through the support of its sponsors, including FCI Constructors, Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital, Grand Junction Federal Credit Union, Conquest Development, High Country Beverage, West Star Aviation and Colorado Mesa University.

The lunch keynote remains to be announced.

Registration and summit’s agenda are available online at info.gjep.org/western-colorado-economic-summit.