Heading into its fifth year since its inception, the Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission (GGJSC) recently completed a strategic planning process outlining core objectives for the organization’s next five years. Phoenix-based consulting firm, Huddle Up Group, led by principals Jon Schmieder and Gary Alexander, worked with GGJSC staff, board members and numerous community stakeholders to conduct a review of the community’s sport tourism venues and offerings. The resulting report outlined the exceptional growth the commission – a 501-C-3 organization – has seen in its infancy, in addition to the opportunities that remain ahead.
Among the recommendations from Huddle Up Group include event development through created events, supporting existing events, and bidding on events that fit the community. Additionally, the experts advised to continue expanding community engagement efforts and explore venue enhancement opportunities opening up new markets.
“Our team and partners are excited about the plan laid out by Huddle Up Group,” commented GGJSC executive director Jennifer Stoll. “The Grand Valley is an exceptional community and sport and recreation tourism is an important piece of its appeal. Receiving input from top industry experts like Jon and Gary has provided a toolkit for leveraging our early success into long-term sustainability.”
With the turn of the year, the GGJSC Board of Directors, comprised of a member representative from each founding partner (Colorado Mesa University, the Cities of Grand Junction and Fruita, Mesa County and the Town of Palisade), and four at-large members will see new leadership. Previous chair, Krisiti Pollard resigned upon moving to the Front Range, and John Hopkins led on an interim basis to finish out 2017. “Under the leadership of Jen Stoll and Kristi Pollard GGJSC had a very positive and productive year in 2017. The organization has great momentum and I expect implementation of the HUG strategic plan coupled with the leadership skills of Jamie Lummis to build on that momentum and produce even more positive results in 2018 and beyond,” noted Hopkins. Hopkins turns the reigns of the GGJSC Board of Directors over to notable community leader, Jamie Lummis of Moody Insurance beginning this month.
Based upon the plan, the GGJSC will also strive to improve internal and external community messaging. The first step of which is development of a new website, which goes live today. Visit www.grandjunctionsports.org for more information.
The Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission is a collaborative effort between Colorado Mesa University, the City of Grand Junction, Mesa County, the City of Fruita and the Town of Palisade to promote sport tourism in the community. The organization’s mission is to represent the Greater Grand Junction Area in attracting new and enhancing existing sporting events that capitalize on our assets, positively impact our economy and community, and deliver the highest level of customer service.
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