The Palisade Chamber of Commerce & Policy: Advocating for a Stronger Local Economy

 When people hear “Chamber of Commerce,” they usually picture ribbon cuttings, networking events, or maybe a stack of welcome brochures for new businesses. And yes, we do those things. But if you peel back the curtain, you’ll find something much bigger happening behind the scenes. At the Palisade Chamber of Commerce, we’re deeply involved in policy and advocacy because the decisions made at the state and local level shape the future of our community in very real ways.

As the Colorado legislative session kicks off, conversations at the Capitol aren’t just political chatter. They directly impact our orchards, vineyards, small shops, restaurants, tourism economy, and families. Agriculture, water rights, workforce development, small business regulations, land use policy these aren’t abstract issues for us. They’re personal. And that’s why we take our role in public policy seriously.

Our mission is simple but powerful: to foster and ensure the economic sustainability of Palisade. We serve as a convener of community leaders, a catalyst for business growth, and a champion for a stronger local economy. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, we proactively represent Palisade’s diverse businesses while staying rooted in our connected, small-town way of living. In other words, we work to make sure growth doesn’t come at the expense of who we are.

So why does state legislation matter so much to a town like Palisade? Because in a small community, policy hits close to home. A change in agricultural labeling law can impact peach growers. A shift in water policy can affect orchards and vineyards. Workforce regulations influence hiring decisions for small businesses. Tourism policies shape how visitors experience our town. In larger cities, policy can feel distant. Here, it feels immediate.

Take the recent legislation addressing counterfeit Colorado produce. Lawmakers have advanced a measure that would classify falsely advertising agricultural products as Colorado-grown or improperly using the Colorado Proud logo as a deceptive trade practice. That might sound technical at first, but let’s break it down. If someone imports produce from another state and markets it as Colorado-grown, consumers are misled and legitimate growers are harmed. That’s not just unfair. It erodes trust.

And trust is everything in agriculture.

Palisade is known across Colorado for its peaches, vineyards, orchards, and agricultural heritage. Our growers aren’t just business owners; they are stewards of the land and protectors of a legacy that spans generations. When someone buys a Palisade peach, they’re buying authenticity. They’re buying local pride. They’re supporting a real family farm.

This is where the Chamber steps in. We don’t simply watch legislation move through committees. We engage in it. The Palisade Chamber participates in government affairs committees at the local, regional, and state levels. That involvement gives us a seat at the table when conversations unfold about agriculture, land use, water rights, tourism regulation, workforce development, and small business policy. We believe policy works best when it’s informed by the people it impacts most our farmers, entrepreneurs, shop owners, and residents.

Collaboration is key. Economic sustainability isn’t partisan. We work with lawmakers across party lines because our focus isn’t politics, it’s Palisade. We advocate for policies that support long-term growth while preserving the character that makes this place special. We support water policies that protect agriculture. We advocate for reasonable small business regulations that encourage entrepreneurship without creating unnecessary burdens. We support workforce development initiatives that strengthen our labor pool. Every piece fits into the larger economic puzzle.

Tourism is another critical piece of that puzzle. Palisade welcomes visitors with open arms, but growth must be balanced. Destination stewardship means promoting tourism responsibly, protecting our natural resources, and ensuring our community remains vibrant for future generations. Smart policy helps us strike that balance between economic opportunity and environmental care.

Advocacy doesn’t just happen at the state level. It begins at home. That’s why the Chamber is proud to host the 2026 Trustee Candidate Forum ahead of the April 7, 2026 Municipal Election. With three Trustee positions open, it’s important that residents and business owners understand where candidates stand on issues that affect our local economy. Candidates include Brandon M. Burke, David William Edwards, Amy Gekas, Stan Harbaugh, Justin Martin, JoAnn Rasmussen, and Ed Seymour. These individuals have met residency requirements and accepted their nominations, and our Chamber Board members will serve as moderators to ensure the discussion remains fair, thoughtful, and productive.

Why host a candidate forum? Because transparency builds trust. And trust builds strong communities. When voters are informed, they make better decisions. When businesses engage in civic dialogue, policy improves. Democracy thrives when participation is encouraged, not avoided. Hosting forums reflects our commitment to civic engagement, business-informed leadership, and constructive community conversation.

Of course, advocacy is only one part of what we do. The Palisade Chamber remains at the heart of our community through networking, education, and relationship-building opportunities like Business After Hours, Lunch and Learn, and Your Community Over Coffee. These events may seem simple on the surface, but relationships are the soil where economic growth takes root. When businesses connect, collaborate, and support one another, the entire town benefits.

Looking ahead, our commitment remains steady. As the Colorado legislative session continues, we will monitor legislation impacting agriculture and small business, advocate for policies that protect Colorado producers, support transparency and consumer trust, engage local leaders through public forums, and represent Palisade’s economic interests at every level. Strong communities don’t happen by accident. They are built through intentional leadership, collaboration, and proactive advocacy.

At the end of the day, the Palisade Chamber of Commerce stands at the intersection of policy, agriculture, business, and community. We’re proud to protect what makes Palisade special while preparing it for the future. Policy shapes possibility. And we’re here to make sure those possibilities remain bright, sustainable, and rooted in the values that define our town.

FAQs

1. What role does the Palisade Chamber of Commerce play in public policy?
   The Chamber monitors legislation, participates in government affairs committees, and advocates for policies that strengthen local agriculture, small businesses, tourism, and workforce development.
2. Why is the counterfeit produce legislation important to Palisade?
   Because falsely labeling produce as Colorado-grown harms legitimate growers, weakens consumer trust, and threatens the integrity of Palisade’s agricultural brand.
3. How does the Chamber engage at the local level?
   By hosting forums like the 2026 Trustee Candidate Forum, encouraging civic participation, and facilitating conversations between candidates, businesses, and residents.
4. Does the Chamber take partisan positions?
   No. The Chamber focuses on economic sustainability and collaborates with lawmakers across party lines to support policies that benefit Palisade.
5. How can businesses get involved in advocacy efforts?
   Businesses can join the Chamber, attend government affairs discussions, participate in forums, and stay informed on legislative updates that affect their operations.