Latest news with #GJEP
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
2025 GJEP Western Colorado Economic Summit
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — The Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) held its 2025 Western Colorado Economic Summit Thursday inside the Colorado Mesa University (CMU) ballroom. 'This is our third year in a row with a sellout crowd,' said Executive Director of GJEP Curtis Englehart. 'This is really just a showcase of the areas partnerships and collaborations that we have in place.' The event kicked off at 8 a.m. and continued until 2 p.m. WesternSlopeNow caught two of the event speakers after their presentations. CMU Vice President of External Relations Derek Wagner discussed ways to improve and grow the workforce in the Grand Valley by offering those looking to complete their education a way to do so. 'The CMU Promise is a promise that we made to families statewide, that basically say, if you make $70,000 or less, you can come to this university, and we will find a way to pay for your tuition.' Click here to learn more about CMU Promise. Also taking the stage this morning was District 51 Superintendent Dr. Brian Hill. Hill talked about the challenges and successes currently facing D51, even though it is one of the least funded districts in the state. 'We do have financial challenges as a state and as a school district, being one of the lowest funded school districts in the state, but we've also been able to accomplish some really great things.' Like community support for its students in apprentices, work-based learning opportunities and several construction projects around the district. Some are funded by bonds. 'We are able to do a $190 million bond without raising the tax rate. But we have over $600 million worth of differed maintenance needs in our buildings. So, this will take care a huge chunk of that.' As for the future of the Western Slope economy, Englehart has a positive outlook. 'The future looks really bright on the Western Slope and in Mesa County.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Polis announces new recycling facility coming to Mesa County
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) – Bruin Waste Management will launch a new division for recycling in the Grand Valley, Gov. Jared Polis announced Tuesday. In tandem with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade and the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, Polis said this independent division will better recycling and materials sortation to help Western Colorado's waste management and sustainability needs. The new division will be on a 10.5-acre parcel at 365 32 Road which is the former home of Haliburton. 'Colorado is proud to support businesses like Bruin Waste that are leaders in recycling and provide reliable services to Coloradans on the Western Slope. Investing in our local businesses is an investment in our communities, and by creating sustainable pathways through the Rural Jumpstart initiative, we are helping businesses grow, create new jobs, and contribute to Colorado's economy,' Polis said in the release. Bruin Waste's new division will provide services only available to the region in Utah, the release said. This will also reduce transportation costs for Western Colorado communities. According to the press release, the new facility will create around 30 jobs and provide wages near the county's yearly average of $56,524. The facility will hold advanced sortation technology – including AI-driven system – to improve recycling efficiency, lessen greenhouse gas emissions and shorten regional supply chain costs, according to the release. 'We are thrilled to partner with the City of Grand Junction to bring this critical infrastructure to the Western Slope,' Bruin Waste President and CEO Jeff Kendall said in the release. 'The lack of recycling infrastructure in the region has really constrained the recycling rates over the last few years and is preventing communities from meeting their sustainability goals. The support we are getting from the Rural Jump-Start program will support this mission, and we are grateful for the partnership of OEDIT and GJEP.' Bruin Waste worked with GJEP throughout the expansion process. 'Bruin Waste's expansion and new recycling facility aligns with our community's goals for economic diversification and sustainability,' GJEP Executive Director Curtis Englehart said in the release. 'It is great to see Bruin Waste partner with the City of Grand Junction and take the lead on building out regional recycling infrastructure, growing its presence here in Grand Junction. We are thrilled to support this project through the Rural Jump-Start Program and look forward to the long-term benefits it will bring to our community.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Local and state officials say about 900 new jobs coming to Mesa County
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) – New jobs are expected to come to Mesa County after it was announced Thursday that Morgan Mining is coming to Grand Junction The Grand Junction Economic Partnership said that 893 new jobs will be created over the next eight years. Morgan Mining received the state's Job Growth Tax Incentive – a performance-based incentive dependent on job creation and salary requirements – make this expansion possible. Morgan Mining is a construction, mining, engineering and management firm. 'Morgan Mining's investment into Mesa County represents a significant milestone for the regional economy. With up to 893 new jobs projected over the next eight years, this expansion provides incredible opportunities for local workforce development while reinforcing the region's reputation for supporting industry growth. We are proud to partner with Project West Co Mining as they invest in our community's future,' Curtis Englehart, executive director for the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, said in a news release. GJEP announced the expansion along with Gov. Jared Polis and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). 'I'm thrilled that Morgan Mining is expanding in Western Colorado, bringing 893 new good-paying jobs to Grand Junction and Mesa County. Colorado is the best place to live, work, and do business, and this exciting announcement shows that our leadership to lower costs for workers and build a strong workforce continues to attract businesses to our strong economy, strengthening our Colorado for All,' Polis said in the release. The release also said the new jobs would have an average annual wage of $92,447. The positions will include engineers, electricians and finance roles. 'We are excited to move forward with our expansion plans in Mesa County. We decided that creating a mining-focused hub in Mesa County provided the best economic and growth opportunities for Morgan. From the outset of this expansion project, OEDIT and GJEP were very actively engaged with us and ultimately provided the support needed to tip the scales in favor of Mesa County. We look forward to continuing our relationship with these entities, as well as other local leaders, as this expansion moves forward,' President of Morgan Mining Justin Morgan said in the release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
