OCTOBER 29 - NOVEMBER 5, 2025
THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS & COMMUNITY NEWS SINCE 1994
VOLUME 32, ISSUE 41
THEBUSINESSTIMES.COM
Young Professionals making an impact and connections Brandon Leuallen
C
The Business Times
uriosity, purpose and connection were central themes at this year’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) Summit and BestSlope NextGen Awards, hosted by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 22 at Colorado Mesa University. More than 150 emerging leaders from across many sectors on the Western Slope gathered for a day of networking, learning and recognition. The summit aimed to help participants grow as leaders while celebrating 20 standout professionals who already are making an impact in their careers and communities. “Sometimes when young professionals leave the area, it’s because they feel disconnected,” Chamber CEO Candace Carnahan said. “When you get everyone in a room of 150 people and show them that there absolutely is a place for them here, it changes that. They realize they’re surrounded by peers who are navigating the same things. That sense of connection helps people stay and grow right here in the Grand Valley.” She added, “These are faces we don’t always see at our regular business events. We wanted to dig deeper than just the usual decision-makers and leaders. These young professionals are the ones keeping doors open and driving the day-to-day work that makes our economy function.” See story Page 5
Banking on the river OakStar Bank relocates to new facility at The Riverfront at Las Colonias. — See Page 2
OakStar Bank Regional President for Colorado Clay Tufly and his wife, Cassie Tufly, the bank’s vice president of business and mortgage products, stand in front of OakStar’s new building, which opened for business Oct. 22 at 1351 Riverfront Loop in Grand Junction. The building is part of the Riverfront at Las Colonias development along the Colorado River. Photo by Tim Harty.
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