Registration is underway for an upcoming event that will explore issues associated with economic development in Western Colorado.

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership has scheduled the Western Colorado Economic Summit (WCES) for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 26 at the Grand Junction Convention Center.

After a year in which the summit was postponed until September because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will return to its regular time. 

“We are glad to be able to return to our normal time frame, but also to be back at the Grand Junction Convention Center, where we are able to accommodate many more attendees,” said Steve Jozefczyk, interim director of GJEP.

The summit serves as both an annual meeting for GJEP as well as a fund-raiser for the economic development organization. The event will include plenary and breakout sessions as well as an update and awards presentation.

Britain Garza, community relations manager for GJEP, said the agenda hasn’t been finalized, but likely will include presentations on education, housing and work force development.

“We feel that it is really important to circle back on many topics that came up in 2021. Not only are we still maneuvering many of these issues six months later, but they also came up as key areas affecting quality of life on the Grand Vision survey,” Garza said. 

“The exciting part is that there’s been lots of movement on these issues in our community in this short time frame,” he said. “We are now seeing opportunity and progress, where in the past we might have had more questions and concerns. We are looking forward to presenting these efforts at WCES.”  

GJEP will present two awards at the summit: the Joseph Prinster Leadership Award for individual achievement in economic development and  Charter Communications Spirit of Economic Development Award to a business or organization that demonstrates community awareness and involvement. Nominations will be accepted through March 31 and should be emailed to Garza at britain@gjep.org.

To register for or obtain more information about the Western Colorado Economic Summit, visit westcoeconomicsummit.com.