Nearly 60 business leaders from Mesa County traveled to the state Capitol last week despite severe winter weather, aiming to ensure that Western Colorado’s interests are represented in legislative discussions.
The group, organized by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, included small business owners, industry representatives, members of the Mesa County Leadership Class, Board Members, elected officials, and community advocates. They met with state legislators and agency directors to discuss how new policies affect local businesses.
Lunch with Western Slope legislators such as Senator Janice Rich started the event. The delegation then participated in a session titled “From Bill to Rule: Where Business Feels the Impact,” featuring speakers Joe Barela from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), Patty Salazar from the Department of Regulatory Agencies, and Tyler Jaeckel from the Department of Local Affairs’ Division of Housing.
Director Jaeckel discussed challenges faced by communities in implementing legislation due to limited staff and resources. He said many areas struggle with requirements that come without adequate support. Director Barela explained CDLE’s reliance on federal funds and employer premiums and noted that tightening federal funding leads to program reductions. Director Salazar recognized that agencies face pressure not to increase fees since even minor increases can add up for businesses.
Business leaders emphasized that every new requirement has costs—even if there is no official fiscal note—describing their experience as “death by a thousand cuts.”
A session on energy policy followed, led by Dominique Gomez from the Colorado Energy Office. She described efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050 through electrification strategies and grid investments. Delegates highlighted concerns about compliance costs and operational impacts on manufacturers, agricultural producers, aviation service providers, and retailers. They stressed that reliability and affordability must be balanced with environmental goals if Colorado is to remain competitive.
The day ended with a dinner attended by legislators including Representative Cecelia Espenoza and coalition partners like the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. Employers discussed workforce shortages, insurance costs, regulatory issues, and their commitment to creating opportunities across Colorado.
On the second day, Meghan Dollar from the Colorado Chamber of Commerce addressed concerns about declining competitiveness in Colorado’s business climate. Kelly Caufield from the Common Sense Institute provided analysis on budget trends amid a projected $1 billion shortfall for the state. The discussion focused on how regulation layers, rising fees, and financial pressures are affecting businesses at a critical time.
Throughout both days, delegates did not only voice concerns but also engaged actively in dialogue with policymakers.
According to organizers at the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce: “The Grand Junction Area Chamber continues to carry a powerful voice at the Capitol because it is backed by substance and presence. Nearly 60 Western Slope leaders showing up in the middle of a winter storm is not symbolic. It is evidence that Mesa County businesses are invested in Colorado’s future and expect to be part of shaping it.”
They added: “If you are concerned about the direction of our business climate, the answer is not disengagement. It is exactly what we demonstrated last week: early engagement, consistent dialogue, and a willingness to sit at the table even when the conversations are difficult.”
“Colorado’s economy does not function in isolation from Mesa County. It is strengthened by it.”
“And we will continue to make sure that is understood under the Gold Dome.”
