Palisade Beach House Vineyard Bed & Breakfast

Carol moved to Grand Junction in 1997 with her husband and two young children. The boys have grown and subsequently moved away, which created an opportunity for Carol and John to pursue their honeymoon dream of living in wine country. They thought it would be Napa, California but found their dream property in Palisade, Colorado in 2019.  The property includes a small vineyard and a short-term rental which they offer to visitors to the area. When Carol isn’t home preparing for guests, she works as the director of Medical Staff Services at St. Mary’s Hospital. She has a master’s degree in Health Care Administration and because of her desire to continue to learn and develop, she recently completed a year-long transformational coaching program. Her goal is to become a certified transformational coach and use this skill into her retirement years. Carol is passionate about everything Palisade has to offer and is excited to join the Palisade Chamber Board.

Talbott & Sons

Joe is a sixth-generation farmer deeply rooted in Palisade, CO. Growing up, he balanced farm work with academics, music, and sports, with soccer and skiing becoming lasting passions. After high school, he took a life-changing Spanish immersion trip to Nicaragua, sparking a love for travel. Later he spent six months working on a farm in South Africa, followed by travels through Austria, Germany, Canada, Mexico, and Southeast Asia, exploring Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Upon returning home, he joined his brother’s cider business, Talbott & Son’s, transitioning from cellar work to sales. After a year selling in Denver, the challenges of the pandemic led him back to Palisade, where in 2021, he and his brother Charles became managing partners of the company.

Charles Wallis, born in Grand Junction, Colorado, is a dedicated professional with a diverse background and a passion for community service. Raised on the Chiloquin tribal reservation in Oregon until the age of 8, Charles has a rich and varied life experience, including studying abroad in Japan and living in Seattle. His career spans roles as a call center manager, business process development manager, janitor, cook, warehouse fulfillment specialist, program and exhibitions manager at a local arts non-profit, and now as an insurance agent. A proud member of the Orchard Mesa Lions Club, he is set to attend the International Convention in Melbourne, Australia. Charles, a lifelong learner, is excited to contribute to the Palisade business community while continuing his personal and professional growth.

Defiance Electric

Kristie’s hometown is Carbondale, CO but she is now proud to call Palisade her home, both towns have provided her a strong sense of belonging. Kristie moved to the Grand Valley to attend Colorado Mesa University and with her experience and business degree, she began working in small businesses and public service. What she has learned is that providing for and giving back to her community is her passion. Kristie owns and operates a local electrical contracting business, Defiance Electric, with her husband Mike. When not working or volunteering, Kristie enjoys spending time with her family in their backyard that is surrounded by their peach orchard and the views of Mt. Garfield. The Palisade Chamber of Commerce is a critical resource for businesses and residents alike. Palisade offers a sense of community which is unparalleled. The ability to contribute to an entity that cultivates community, such as the Chamber, is a sincere privilege. Serving on the board since July 2022.

Altrusa International

Before retiring in 2022, Elaine spent nearly 30 years owning and operating the Merry Maids
housecleaning franchise in Grand Junction. Prior to moving to the Western Slope, she was
assistant director at the Small Business Development Center in Rock Springs, WY. An Iowa
native, she holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. After
college, Elaine had a 20-year career in communications, first as a newspaper and magazine
writer and editor, followed by a stint in corporate marketing and public relations. She has
served on the boards of several nonprofits, assisting with events, fundraising, communications,
and community collaborations. Elaine and her husband Dan have lived on a small acreage
outside Palisade for the past 16 years with a number of rescued cats and dogs. She loves the
beauty and sense of community they’ve found here and wants to assist the Chamber in its
important efforts to help preserve our town’s heritage while working towards a successful,
sustainable future.

Sauvage Spectrum Estate Winery & Vineyard

Natasha Sauvage is an integral part of Sauvage Spectrum Estate Winery and Vineyard, where she dedicates her full-time efforts to farm management and office administration at her husband’s winery. Her role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities including bookkeeping, payroll, HR management, compliance, and licensing. Natasha’s ability to work remotely has provided her with the flexibility to indulge in spontaneous travel during the farm’s off-season, a lifestyle she cherishes deeply.

Her love for the outdoors is evident in her choice of activities, from hiking and floating the river to golfing, wake surfing, and cross-country skiing. This passion for sunshine and adventure is reflected in her pet choices as well, with her dog Sunny aptly named to mirror her sunny disposition. Alongside Sunny, Natasha also cares for Hobbs, a loyal companion of 15 years.

Natasha’s journey back to Palisade in 2008 holds a special place in her heart, and she is grateful for the decision that led her back to this vibrant small town. She takes pride in being part of a community that is experiencing growth and positive change, especially as a peach and grape farmer. This sense of belonging and camaraderie with friends and neighbors who share her love and appreciation for the area fuels her commitment to contributing to the community’s prosperity and development.

River City Real Estate

Chanel has lived in the Grand Junction area for most of her life.  She graduated from Grand Junction High School and received her bachelor’s in Mass Communications, Public Relations, and Advertising from Colorado Mesa University in 2012.  She now owns her own real estate appraisal company and is also a real estate agent covering Mesa County.

Chanel moved to Palisade in August of 2020 with her husband Geoff and two children, Jayden and Jaycee, after spending almost every weekend in Palisade for many years.  They knew this unique little town was where they wanted to raise their children and call it “Home!”

In her free time Chanel loves to go out with her family and friends to enjoy all the new and wonderful wines and beverages at local wineries and breweries in town.  It’s great to relax and listen to music on a patio while also savoring the fare of one of the local eateries!  You can also find her at home with her kids playing all sorts of yard games, soaking up the sun and views of Mt Garfield with her dogs and just enjoying the wonderful outdoors that Palisade has to offer.

Community Hospital

Tom Bishop began his tenure at Community Hospital in April 2014 as an urgent care staff nurse and has risen to Director of Operations for Physician Practices. His healthcare career started in 2006 as a traveling contract nurse, where he developed a passion for the diverse aspects of the industry. Before joining Community Hospital, he managed Primary Care Partners and worked as a staff nurse in the alzheimer’s and dementia long-term care unit at Family Health West. Tom, who has been in healthcare for over 18 years, earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Colorado Christian University.

Born and raised in Grand Junction, Grand Valley, Tom left to serve in the U.S. Navy from 1997 to 2001, returning to enjoy the small-town culture. Married for 23 years, he and his wife have two children. They relish outdoor activities, exploring wine country, and family gatherings.

Tom is committed to giving back to the community that supports him, driving his daily efforts to make a difference. His dynamic approach extends from his personal life to his professional role at Community Hospital, where he has significantly expanded service lines and overseen the recruitment of over 150 new providers in the last decade. Notably, the hospital launched a new state-of-the-art facility in 2016, began construction on a medical office and regional cancer center in 2021, and initiated a new clinic in Palisade in 2022.