Jessica Burford
President & CEO
Jessica@Palisadecoc.com
Jessica comes to The Chamber with a background in non-profit fundraising and corporate and hospitality sales. She values connection and enjoys helping businesses collaborate and flourish. She and her husband are deeply-rooted in Western Colorado, own their own business on Horizon Drive in Grand Junction, and serve in several leadership capacities for organizations across The Valley. Jessica faithfully advocates for disability rights and aims to raise awareness for mental and behavioral health needs, children’s services, and food politics. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, live music, good belly laughs, entertaining family and friends, and watching her two sons grow and thrive.
Elizabeth Prentiss
Membership & Marketing Director
Elizabeth is a Durango, Colorado native with roots in both northern New Mexico and southern Arizona. She and her husband moved to Grand Junction in 2008. They are raising two teen boys on a small hobby farm with the best views in the Valley. A self-proclaimed perpetual student, she has a well-rounded, diverse background and education ranging from the medical field to entrepreneurship. Elizabeth earned a bachelor’s degree in Technical Communications from Arizona State University and has a passion for business development and brand design. Many of Elizabeth’s branding clients are local icons on the Western Slope and have become part of her close-knit tribe in the community. Elizabeth loves books (the older the better), spending time with her large extended family, and exploring old, unique buildings and towns.
Katie Lindley
Executive Assistant
Katie grew up in Cedaredge, immersing herself in Real Estate from a young age. Her journey led her to Colorado Mesa University, where she pursued a degree in Business Management with aspirations to thrive in collaborative successes with various businesses. In her leisure time, Katie finds joy in the company of her fiance, two dogs, and horse, engaging in activities like desert racing and horse riding.
Our Board of Directors
Carol Calacino, Chair
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.
Joe Talbott, Chair Elect
Talbott & Sons
Charles Wallis, Treasurer
Grand Valley Insurance Service
Cody Butters-Lewis, Secretary
The Homestead at Palisade
Cody Butters Lewis is a Palisade native she was born and raised in this fine town. Cody graduated from Mesa State and went on to begin her career with Coors Distributing in the Vail Valley. After a few years at the distributor, Cody was offered a promotion to work with AC Golden and Colorado Native- the first beer that was all Colorado ingredients. During that time, Cody moved back to Palisade and was voted to be the youngest recorded Town of Palisade trustee and proudly served two years. Working her way up the corporate ladder, Cody moved to Utah and Texas for work while also marrying a wonderful husband and having 2 kiddos. In an effort to gain independence and start a new chapter as an entrepreneur, Cody and her husband Mike bought the old Palisade Lodge and renovated it to be the newest addition to the lodging options in Palisade. The Homestead is a 6-bedroom motel and is in its second year of business. Cody continues to work in the beverage industry and enjoys being back home on the western slope and all it has to offer her and her family.
Kristie Clark, Member-at-Large
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.
Elaine Johnson-Craig, Member-at-Large
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.
Natasha Sauvage, Member-at-Large
Sauvage Spectrum Estate Winery & Vineyard
Interested in Becoming a Board Member?
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