Individual tickets will go on sale March 1 for an annual event addressing a range of issues related to economic development in Western Colorado.

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership has scheduled the Western Colorado Economic Summit (WCES) for April 27 at Colorado Mesa University.

Curtis Englehart, executive director of GJEP, said he’s excited about bringing back the summit to April and the university campus. “CMU has been a great partner and does incredible work in work force and economic development” he said. “It is very fitting to bring this great event back to CMU.”

Coldwell Banker, a founding sponsor of the summit, will once again support the event.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring local business leaders together to discuss the current state of our market across several industries. We look forward to this event every year,” said Brandon Schuette, managing director of Coldwell Banker Commercial Prime Properties in Grand Junction.

Sponsored tables also are available for $800 and include seating for 10 people.

The summit is scheduled for 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include presentations, panel discussions and breakout sessions on a variety of issues, including housing, mobility and work force development.

The agenda will include a session on federal legislation intended to promote the domestic research, development and manufacturing of semiconductors and what the law could mean for Western Colorado.

The agenda also will include an annual update on GJEP and the economic affects of its activities promoting business relocations and expansions.

GJEP reported seven of what it termed “wins” — business relocations or expansions — and an additional nine local assists in 2022. Those efforts resulted in a total economic impact of nearly $15.7 million.

“We have seen great momentum over the last several months, and we are optimistic that will continue,” Englehart said.  “The WCES allows us to celebrate our collaborative success and inform attendees about key economic development topics that affect us all.”

GJEP will present two awards: the Joseph Prinster Leadership Award for individual achievement in economic development and Spirit of Economic Development Award to a business or organization that demonstrates community awareness and involvement. Nominations will be accepted through March 31.

For more information about the Western Colorado Economic Summit — including tickets, sponsorships and award nominations — visit www.WestCoEconomicSummit.org.