The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce addressed on Apr. 17 the issue of business relocations from Colorado, highlighting findings from a recent report by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. The report tracks nearly 100 companies that have either left the state, reduced their presence, or chosen to expand elsewhere since 2019, resulting in more than 13,000 jobs not realized in Colorado.
This trend is significant for communities across the state, particularly in Western Colorado and Mesa County. The chamber said these regions do not have as much capacity to absorb economic losses and must work harder to attract and retain investment. “When Colorado’s competitiveness weakens, the ripple effects are often felt more quickly and more deeply in regions like ours,” according to the statement.
The chamber noted that even small changes in investment can affect local workforces, tax bases, and long-term stability. Many projects that could have come to Western Colorado instead went to other states offering a clearer path forward due to cost structure or regulatory environment.
“At the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, we often return to a simple principle: do no harm,” the statement said. It explained that well-intentioned policies adding cost or complexity may unintentionally hurt regions already facing challenges.
The chamber called for ongoing attention to policies affecting competitiveness and encouraged policymakers and community members to review the full report by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce at https://cochamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2025-Relocations-Tracker.pdf. “Because understanding the full picture is the first step in ensuring Colorado remains a place where opportunity does not quietly leave but continues to grow,” it concluded.
