1. Economic update Grand Junction Economic Partnership (with a twist)

2. Labor Force

3. Good News Bad News 2009 2008 Unemployment 9.0% Full employment Job creation rates lead the nation Job creation rates lowest in the nation

5. Create jobs by attracting businesses and assisting with expansion

7. Labor availability is up

8. Wages are declining

9. Labor costs are down

10. Construction, real estate, transportation, energy related….

12. Financing is difficult

13. Home prices are dropping

14. Building permits tanked

15. Housing is more affordable for employees

16. Construction costs are down, good time to build for business

17. Land prices are falling

20. Our futureNow

21. We Are The New West – modern, independent, still wild A value-added lifestyle you can afford Ideal place for personal and business growth A strong, diverse economy with past and future national recognition and successes A resourceful, energetic, positive community that knows the best is yet to come.

22. Connect with GJEP www.gjep.org