August 2021 Business Bulletin
Good Afternoon!

This is my last note to you as GJEP Executive Director. It is bittersweet to say farewell, but I am not going far. Next week, I start my new role as VP of Development for Colorado Mesa University, a job I am very excited about. As I said in my last Daily Sentinel column, "What better way to strengthen the economy than to grow our future workforce and create better opportunities for our youth?"

I am also very excited about the future of GJEP and local economic development. Last week, we held our annual board retreat where we began to develop a vision for the Grand Valley of tomorrow - and I truly believe the sky is the limit for our post-distressed, post-pandemic community. I hope to see you all at the Economic Summit on September 30 to ponder the possibilities.

The process to find my successor has already begun. In the meantime, I know I leave you in very good hands with the team at GJEP. Make sure you stay connected with them, keep engaging with your economic development stewards, and invest in the future of our great valley.

Over and out,
Robin Brown
GJEP Executive Director
By the Numbers
Upcoming Events
C-PACE and CCEF Workshop
September 5 | 4-5 p.m.
in person: SEI Campus, Paonia | Virtual

C-PACE enables owners of eligible commercial and industrial buildings to finance up to 100% of energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation eligible improvements. The Colorado Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) was recently established and funded as Colorado’s first green bank. Part of their mission is to help finance smaller C-PACE projects as well as projects that are historically harder to underwrite.

This one-hour presentation will discuss how C-PACE and CCEF financing works, present case studies, and show you how you can get started today. Join in person or online.
Thursday, September 30
Grand Junction Convention Center
The Western Colorado Economic Summit returns in person on September 30. Join GJEP and our sponsors for a day filled with learning, networking, and engaging for a better future for the Grand Valley!
Registration is now open!
LAST CALL FOR NOMINATIONS:
GJEP ANNUAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARDS
Submit a nomination for an individual or business/organization that has made a significant impact on local economic development. Nominations are due by August 31. Email [email protected] with a brief paragraph about your nominee and why they deserve this honor.

Spirit of Economic Development presented by Charter Communications
The Spirit of Economic Development Award is an honor given to a business or organization that demonstrates a strong sense of community awareness and involvement while seeking opportunities to enhance the economic vitality of Colorado’s Grand Valley.  

Past winners: West Star Aviation, Colorado Mesa University, FCI Constructors, Enstrom Toffee & Confectionery

Joseph C. Prinster Leadership Award
The Joseph C. Prinster Leadership Award recognizes an individual that has demonstrated exceptional drive, adaptability and leadership characteristics while making a notable contribution to the economic development of Colorado’s Grand Valley.

Past winners: Denny Granum, Terry Farina, Tim Fry, Jay Seaton

Thank you in advance for your nomination!
Latest News
GJEP Named Top Company Finalist
GJEP is excited to announce that we have been named a ColoradoBiz Top Company finalist!

Winners and finalists will be featured in the September/October 2021 issue of ColoradoBiz magazine. You can also follow ColoradoBiz on Facebook to learn more about Top Company.
GJEP Executive Director Resigns
This month, we say farewell to Robin Brown who is leaving GJEP for a new role as VP of Development at Colorado Mesa University.

"Brown has laid out a blueprint for success."

The Daily Sentinel writes about Robin's legacy and what's in store for GJEP in this article.
CMU President Joins GJEP Board
GJEP is honored to welcome President John Marshall to our Board of Directors. Marshall replaces former President Tim Foster, who retired from Colorado Mesa University earlier this year.

CMU is an integral partner in our economic development efforts and we're happy to have representation on our Board.

President Marshall will also give the luncheon keynote at WCES on September 30!
GJEP Hires New Business Development Manager
GJEP has hired a new Business Development Manager, Matt Bell. Matt is a CMU alum with a degree in Sports Management and Business Administration. The former salesman will work directly to support businesses with their expansion and relocation needs, as well as with our local realtors.

Join us in welcoming Matt to the team!