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Environment > Industry Base |
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Industry Base
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Overview
Colorado's key economic strength is its diversity - the same is true
of the Grand Junction MSA. Originally steeped in mining and agriculture,
the economy has diversified significantly in the last 25 years.
Evidence of this trend is provided by the significant increase
in GMP over the
last 10 years, the 9th fastest growing in the nation. The areas'
manufacturing base ranges from electronics to semiconductor
equipment,
advanced
composites to bicycle parts, as well as traditional and base
manufacturing. Oil and
gas extraction, mining and construction have re-emerged as
strong industry sectors in recent years.
A strong service sector also
exists due to the
area being the major market between Salt Lake City and Denver.
Strong health and medical services, construction, business
and
professional services
provide resources to neighboring areas in Colorado and Utah
creating a market area of 500,000 people. Business services
include customer
service centers in telecommunications and the electronics
industries. The Grand
Junction area is also a key distribution center due to its
excellent location on Interstate 70. Agriculture and mining,
once economic strongholds, now
represent a decreasing share of the area’s output. Tourism, though not
easily definable as a separate economic sector, is an important
industry to the area, as visitors are drawn year- round to
the outstanding recreational
activities and breathtaking scenery.
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The Grand Junction area is also a key distribution center due to its excellent location on Interstate 70. Agriculture and mining, once economic strongholds, now represent a decreasing share of the area’s output. Tourism, though not easily definable as a separate economic sector, is an important industry to the area, as visitors are drawn year- round to the outstanding recreational activities and breathtaking scenery.
Industry Growth
From 2001 to 2006 employment in all industry sectors in the Grand Junction area increased by 30%. Mining and extraction employment grew 162% during this time period, with construction also growing significantly - a 125% increase. Manufacturing, government and agriculture employment were more stable, growing less than the average rate.
Employment by Industry Mesa County, 3rd Quarter 2007
| NAICS |
Industry Sector |
# Employees |
% of Total |
Avg. Annual Wage |
| 11 |
Agriculture, Forestry, Fish & Fishing |
557 |
0.89% |
$23,244 |
| 21 |
Mining |
3,146 |
5.04% |
$69,056 |
| 22 |
Utilities |
222 |
0.36% |
$64,272 |
| 23 |
Construction |
6,116 |
9.80% |
$39,884 |
| 31 |
Manufacturing |
3,369 |
5.40% |
$36,972 |
| 42 |
Wholesale Trade |
2347 |
3.76% |
$43,108 |
| 44 |
Retail Trade |
8,509 |
13.63% |
$26,312 |
| 48 |
Transportation & Warehousing |
2,209 |
3.54% |
$42,484 |
| 51 |
Information |
933 |
1.49% |
$39,000 |
| 52 |
Finance & Insurance |
2,205 |
3.53% |
$45,292 |
| 53 |
Real Estate; Rental & Leasing |
1,225 |
1.96% |
$31,252 |
| 54 |
Professional & Technical Services |
2,264 |
3.63% |
$41,652 |
| 55 |
Management of Companies & Enterprises |
93 |
0.15% |
$84,760
|
| 56 |
Administrative & Waste Services |
3,201 |
5.13% |
$26,260 |
| 61 |
Educational Services |
217 |
.35% |
$19,396 |
| 62 |
Healthcare & Social Assistance |
8,272 |
13.25% |
$39,364 |
| 71 |
Arts-Entertainment & Recreation |
1,043 |
1.67% |
$12,428 |
| 72 |
Accommodation & Food Services |
6,363 |
10.19% |
$14,924 |
| 81 |
Other Services-Except Public Admin |
1,690 |
2.71% |
$27,300 |
| TG |
Government |
8,453 |
16.54% |
$45,448 |
Source: Colorado Dept of Labor, Colorado Employment & Wages (QCEW) 3rd Quarter 2007
Top Employers, Mesa County, September 2007
* Total employees including seasonal workers
Source: Grand Junction Economic Partnership - September 2007
(M = Manufacturing S = Service R = Retail G = Government )
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