Young Professionals Network of Mesa County

06/12/2026

Big news! Nominations are NOW OPEN!

Know a standout young professional who’s elevating the Western Slope?

In collaboration with the Young Professionals Network of Mesa County, we’re thrilled to share that nominations for the BestSlope NEXTGen Award are now open.

This award honors exceptional professionals age 45 and under who are driving progress as entrepreneurs, leaders, and advocates for local business.

From Mesa to Montrose, Garfield to La Plata, and every county in between, we’re looking for individuals who:

✔ Work for an active business in the region
✔ Lead with integrity, initiative, and vision
✔ Show innovation and growth in their field
✔ Make a meaningful impact in their industry and community

Honorees will be recognized at the awards ceremony following this year’s Young Professionals Summit in August.

Presented by Community Hospital, Grand Junction, Colorado, FCI Constructors, and Alpine Bank.

Nominate someone who deserves the spotlight today.
https://gjchamber.org/bestslopenextgen

06/11/2026

Some of the best Lunch Conversations happen when a topic sparks curiosity, questions, and meaningful discussion.

Join us next Wednesday, June 17th, as we welcome the Alzheimer's Association for a conversation on brain health, current research efforts, and resources available to individuals, families, and employers.

You'll walk away with practical tips to support brain health, a better understanding of the impact of Alzheimer's and other dementias, and the opportunity to engage in an important community conversation alongside fellow young professionals.

We hope you'll join us at the table.
Registration is complimentary for YPN members. Non-members are welcome to join for a small fee.

Register today at https://business.ypnmc.org/ypnevents!

A program of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce

06/04/2026

Longer days, warmer evenings, and YPN After Hours at Handlebar Tap House.

Join us later this month for a casual evening of connection, conversation, and community. Bring a friend, meet someone new, and spend the evening with fellow young professionals who are investing in their careers, relationships, and Mesa County.

Members enjoy a drink on us. Non-members are always welcome.

📍 Handlebar Tap House
🗓 Thursday, June 25
🕠 5:30–7:00 PM

Register today! https://business.ypnmc.org/ypnevents

A program of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce

06/02/2026

What can young professionals do today to support long-term brain health?

Join us for our next Lunch Conversation featuring the Alzheimer's Association. Together, we'll explore the organization's impact in Mesa County, what current research is telling us about brain health, and how young professionals can play a role in advocacy, awareness, and community impact.

This conversation will include opportunities to connect with fellow YPs, share perspectives, and learn more about ways to get involved locally.

📍 Garden Room at The Commons of Hilltop
🗓️ June 17th
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM

Come curious, leave informed, and discover how one conversation can make a lasting impact.

Register today! https://business.ypnmc.org/ypnevents

06/01/2026

🍻 Thank you to everyone who joined us at The Ale House GJ for After Hours last Thursday.

We enjoyed a great mix of returning attendees and new faces, with plenty of conversations, introductions, and connections happening on the patio throughout the evening. It's always exciting to see new people getting involved while catching up with familiar members of the YPN community.

We appreciate you spending your evening with us and look forward to seeing you again soon! ☀️

YPN is a program of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce

05/26/2026

Hello patio season! ☀️🍹

Kick off the summer with YPN After Hours at The Ale House GJ this Thursday! Join us on the patio for an evening of great conversations, new connections, drinks, and one of the best outdoor spaces in town.

Whether you’re looking to meet fellow young professionals, grow your network, or just enjoy a fun night out with the YP community, this is your sign to come hang out with us.

Bring a friend, grab a drink, and help us welcome the start of summer in Mesa County. 🍻🌅

🗓 Thursday, May 28th
⏰ 5:30–7 PM
📍 Ale House Grand Junction
Free for YPN Members | $10 for Non-Members

Register now at ypnmc.org

YPN is a program of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce

05/20/2026

Today’s Lunch Conversation at OakStar Bank turned into one of those that sticks with you long after the event ends.

We had a thoughtful discussion around the value of community banking, the importance of relationships with your banker as you grow through different stages of life, and how those relationships can support everything from starting a business to navigating homeownership and long-term financial goals.

The conversation also opened up into an honest dialogue around the housing market in Mesa County: how young professionals are feeling about entering homeownership, the paths people are taking to get there, and trends OakStar is seeing from both the buyer and commercial side of the market.

A huge thank you to the OakStar team for hosting us, sharing your perspectives so openly, and giving us a tour of your incredible new space. Between the riverfront and Monument views and a perfect sunny afternoon, it was an amazing setting for meaningful conversation and connection.

We'll see you next Thursday for After Hours at The Ale House GJ! Visit ypnmc.org

A program of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce

05/14/2026

What can banking teach you about leadership, growth, and community impact?

Next week's Lunch Conversation takes us inside OakStar Bank for a conversation around leadership, relationship-building, and the evolving world of banking and business development in Mesa County. Hear directly from leading professionals in the industry, gain insight into career pathways and community impact, and connect with other YPs investing in their growth along the way.

Whether you work in finance or not, conversations like these are designed to expand your perspective, strengthen connections, and introduce you to industries shaping our local economy.

Wednesday, May 20th
Free for YPN Members | $10 for Non-Members

Register now at ypnmc.org

YPN is a program of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce

05/12/2026

Hey Young Professionals Network of Mesa County!
This is an AMAZING opportunity to get to know our community better and activate your leadership for maximum impact in Mesa County.

⏰ Application Deadline Approaching! ⏰
The deadline to apply for the 2026–2027 Mesa County Leadership Program is Friday, May 29.

For more than 30 years, this program has helped leaders from across Mesa County strengthen their leadership skills, build meaningful connections, and gain a deeper understanding of the issues and opportunities shaping our community.

Whether you are an emerging leader or a seasoned professional, Mesa County Leadership offers a powerful opportunity to grow your impact.

Learn more and apply today: https://gjchamber.org/mesacountyleadershipprogram

05/06/2026

See you at the next After Hours, May 28th, at The Ale House GJ!

We’ll be taking advantage of the patio, warmer evenings, and a setting that makes it easy to settle in and connect. From 5:30 - 7 PM, spend time with other YPs who are building relationships, growing professionally, and getting more connected to the community.

Whether you’re looking to meet new people, reconnect with familiar faces, or just plug in for a bit, this is your space to do it.

Members enjoy a drink on us. Non-members are always welcome. 🤝

Register now at ypnmc.org

YPN is a program of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce