The Palisade Chamber of Commerce held their 2015 Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony at the Wine Country Inn in Palisade Saturday evening, February 21. Juliann Adams, Executive Director, Palisade Chamber, and John Sabal, Palisade Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman, joined in saying “our theme this year was “Rise to the Top” in celebration of our continual membership growth and the success and growth of our events that include plans for today and in the future.”
“We take pride in promoting the growing awareness and appreciation for the impact our agriculture has in this valley and beyond, as is evidenced by the number of inquiries we receive from all over the country in regards to our wineries, peaches and beautiful area. It is because of our loyal members’ active involvement and support of community growth and success that we celebrate today,” said Adams.
Guest Speaker was Gary Hines, At-Large Director for the Palisade Historical Society, with his presentation, “Irrigation in the Grand Valley.” The Historical Society is celebrating the 100th birthday of the Roller Dam, just east of Palisade in the Colorado River, on June 27. The event will honor the project that brought irrigation to the valley, turning the desert into one of the most productive agricultural areas in the Intermountain West.
The evening concluded with the Adams presenting the 2014 Awards to:
Scott Holzschuh accepting award for Colorado National Bank
Colorado National Bank recognized as the 2014 Business of the Year.
Adams, Executive Director for the Palisade Chamber, noted the long history of service provided by Colorado National Bank to this small rural community on the Western Slope, most recently supporting the Town of Palisade’s 110th birthday CEN-TEN celebration during 2014. Adams noted the bank’s own 110th year is being celebrated in 2015 with their original charter dating back to 1905. Scott Holzschuh, Market President, Western Region, and Palisade resident, accepted the award on behalf of the owners and staff at Colorado National Bank. Holzschuh assumed his role in June of 2013 and has been actively involved in the community serving as the Palisade Sunrise Rotary Club President since July 2014 and as a board member of the Palisade Chamber since January, 2014. In accepting the award, Holzschuh noted the bank’s long history as well as last year’s major remodel and renovation as indicators of the bank’s commitment to the future of Palisade.
Jim Cox recognized as the 2014 Friend of Agriculture.
Jim Cox retired to his dream spot, Palisade, from Seattle a few years ago and immediately immersed himself in Palisade and the Western Slope as a volunteer, ski instructor, and local photographer at every event. Jim brought his photography skills to Palisade and hasn’t missed an opportunity to capture our events, celebrations, and all things agricultural through the lens of his camera. He is a past chamber board member, the 2013 Town Grouch and a volunteer on many chamber committees and at Town of Palisade functions.
Betsy McLaughlin recognized as the 2014 Citizen of the Year.
After spending nearly 35 years in beautiful Breckenridge, in 2009 Betsy decided to warm up and now happily calls Palisade her ‘forever home.’ She worked on the Palisade Tribune and was always on the scene taking pictures and doing stories for the paper. Her weekly column was well read and entertaining. Since the Tribune closed in March of 2014, she has continued to keep Palisade residents informed by helping to create a digital newspaper called The Peach Town News, all on volunteer time.
Deb Tsakalos, accepting the First Volunteer of the Year Award
Deb Tsakalos recognized as the 2014 Volunteer of the Year.
Deb moved to Palisade two years ago and immediately fell in love with the town and the people she met. Upon arriving in Palisade, she walked into the Chamber and asked to volunteer for anything and everything, whatever was needed. She tackles everything with a smile and a “can do” attitude, even buzzing around in a “honey bee” costume at the Honey Bee Festival! Her upbeat attitude and great skills are so appreciated and although she is soon moving back home to Las Vegas, the door to Palisade will forever be open to her.
For more information: Juliann Adams, Executive Director, Palisade Chamber of Commerce -970-464-7458 – ja.palisadecoc@gmail.com
Congrats to all the winners. Great to hear Palisade news.