The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce launched the Keep the Cheer Here campaign last week to rally support for local businesses during the busy holiday shopping season. This effort, active through early January in Mesa County, uses fun activities like a bingo game to draw people to shops, eateries, and services right in the community.
Campaign Focuses on Boosting Local Economy
Local leaders stress that shopping close to home makes a big difference in the Grand Valley area. Every dollar spent at a nearby store helps keep money circulating within the region, funding jobs and community programs. For instance, studies show that 68 dollars out of every 100 spent locally stays in the area, compared to far less when buying from big chains far away.
Small businesses here employ thousands and contribute heavily to the local scene. In the second quarter of 2025, Mesa County saw employment rise by over 1,300 jobs compared to the year before, with many tied to retail and services. The campaign taps into this growth by thanking business owners who keep the economy humming, especially as holiday sales pick up.
Chamber President and CEO Candace Carnahan noted that these shops support friends, families, and neighbors by providing steady work and essential goods. She pointed out that small operations give back 250 percent more to community causes than larger national firms do. This push comes at a key time, as recent reports show steady retail demand in Grand Junction, with stable rents and more space available for growth.
Details of the Interactive Bingo Game
The heart of the Keep the Cheer Here initiative is a bingo card game designed to get folks out exploring. Anyone in Mesa County over 18 can join by grabbing a card from a participating spot or downloading a digital version online. The goal is to complete five squares in a row, either straight across, down, or on a diagonal, through simple local tasks.
Players snap photos as proof of their activities and share them on social media with a tag to the Chamber or email them directly. Entries must arrive by noon on December 20, 2025, for a shot at prizes. No purchase is needed to play, and it all wraps up the holiday spirit while highlighting hidden gems around town.
Here are some example activities from the bingo card to spark ideas:
- Grab a warm drink at a neighborhood coffee shop.
- Stroll through a local art gallery and admire the displays.
- Like three different businesses on Facebook to spread the word.
- Check out the twinkling downtown Christmas lights after dark.
This setup turns everyday errands into a game, making it easy for families to join in and discover new favorites.
Insights from Local Business Owners
Owners of Grand Junction shops praise the campaign for building stronger ties between customers and the community. Seth Anderson, who runs Loki Outdoor Clothing after more than two decades in business, says it directs spending right back into town. He sees it as a win for everyone, from retail spots on Horizon Drive to service providers, keeping dollars local instead of shipping them away.
Matthew Cesario from Triple Play Records adds that sharing on social media or just stopping by helps a lot. He believes the effort fosters teamwork among businesses, turning the holidays into a group celebration. Both highlight how even small actions, like leaving a review or referring a friend, amplify the impact.
These voices show the campaigns real value in creating camaraderie. With the local economy showing flat sales tax collections so far this year, initiatives like this could provide the needed lift, especially as tourism and retail blend during the festive months.
| Key Economic Facts for Grand Junction | Details |
|---|---|
| Local Spending Retention | $68 of every $100 stays in the community |
| Small Business Donations | 250% more to local causes than big chains |
| Recent Job Growth | +1,322 jobs in Q2 2025 vs. prior year |
| Retail Market Status | Stable rents and increasing availability |
Broader Holiday Ties and Community Events
The Keep the Cheer Here drive fits nicely into Grand Junctions full slate of winter festivities, amplifying the fun for residents. Just days ago, on November 22, the city held its annual tree lighting ceremony at Fourth and Main Street, drawing crowds to kick off the season with lights and cheer. Looking ahead, the Parade of Lights will light up Main Street in early December, featuring glowing floats and shop window displays.
Downtown partners with a 12 Days of Cheer promotion from December 1 through 12, where shoppers can enter drawings for gift boxes from local stores and even a full staycation prize package. Other highlights include the Holiday Fine Art and Craft Fair at The Art Center, offering unique handmade items, and Blue Lights at the Botanical Gardens on select December evenings for a magical glow.
These events create a vibrant backdrop, encouraging people to bundle the bingo challenges with broader outings. For example, visiting the holiday market could check off a square while supporting artisans. Overall, they underscore the areas commitment to blending economic support with joyful traditions.
The Chamber also offers a free marketing toolkit for businesses, packed with festive social media graphics and tips to boost their online presence during the rush. This helps shops stand out and connect with more shoppers.
As the holidays unfold, the Keep the Cheer Here campaign invites everyone to play a part in keeping the Grand Valley strong. Grab a bingo card, hit the local spots, and share your holiday finds with friends and family. What are your favorite ways to shop local this season? Drop a comment below or share this story to spread the word and inspire others to join in.
