The Palisade Chamber of Commerce announced its award winners from its 2025 Annual Member Banquet and Community Awards, which took place Jan. 31 at Orchard River View, 3926 U.S. 6 & 24 in Palisade.

Atlasta Solar Center was the event’s presenting sponsor, and Community Hospital was the hospitality sponsor.

The award winners, along with comments provided by the Palisade Chamber, are:

Citizen of the Year: 

Lynette Talbott 

“Lynette’s dedication to her family and community isn’t just inspiring, it’s legendary. She’s the not-so-quiet force behind so much of what makes Palisade feel like home. For all she’s done, and all she continues to do, she is a shining example of what it means to live a life of purpose and love in Palisade. And that is why Lynette Talbott is absolutely deserving of the Citizen of the Year award.”

Lifetime Achievement Award: 

Dixie Burmeister 

“Dixie has been a cornerstone of what has made Palisade what it is today. Dixie has over 40 years of volunteer-ship, helping put on the Palisade Peach Festival, Honey Bee Festival, Olde Fashioned Christmas, promoting our agricultural region throughout the state. Dixie’s passion for Palisade (and of course peaches) shines through her dedication to strengthening and uplifting the community.”

Board Member of the Year: 

Chuck Youmans

Youmans “has overseen the Palisade Chamber’s budget, which has been no small feat. On top of that, Chuck always shows up filled with positivity, joy and creative solutions.”

Volunteer of the Year: 

Amy Barr 

Barr is the owner of Jerry’s Pest Control and “has been phenomenal in supporting our chamber over the past year. Whether it’s cutting up peaches for the Palisade Peach Festival or providing support to Dixie (Burmeister) at the Gingerbread Contest and Showcase, Amy has shown up. She is full of dedication, heart, and hard work.”

Business of the Year: 

The Milky Way Palisade 

From the coffee shop’s first day in business, Milky Way “has embraced the heart and soul of Palisade, creating a warm and welcoming space where locals and visitors alike can come together. Their cozy patio and seasonal photo wall have added charm and vibrancy to downtown Palisade, offering picture-perfect moments year-round.”

Friend of Agriculture: 

James and Laura Sanders,  

Aaron Woolsey

James and Laura Sanders, owners of the Palisade Peach Shack – Western Slope, “have shown unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting the agricultural heritage of Palisade. Their decision to place a conservation easement on their orchard acreage at the gateway to Palisade demonstrates a heartfelt commitment to protecting farmland from development and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from this vital agricultural resource.”

Aaron Woolsey, James Sanders’ brother, “has also been brought into the business and is providing a fun, educational and accessible way for people to learn about and appreciate where their food comes from.”