Rebuilding The Plateau Valley Chamber of CommercE

Nestled beyond the Book Cliffs and below the Grand Mesa, the Plateau Valley has always been more than just a place — it’s a way of life. Our valley is a patchwork of family-owned ranches, generational farms, small businesses, and wide-open spaces, bound together by hard work and neighborly spirit. From the early homesteaders of the 1880s to today’s new entrepreneurs, the people of Collbran, Mesa, and Molina, Colorado, have carried forward a shared tradition: when the community needs something done, we do it together.

That same spirit first gave rise to the Plateau Valley Chamber of Commerce decades ago — and it’s the same spirit bringing it back to life today.

A Look Back: The Chamber’s Historic Role in the Valley

For many years, the Plateau Valley Chamber of Commerce was the connective thread between local businesses, residents, and visitors. From hosting community celebrations to supporting Main Street businesses, the Chamber played a vital role in shaping local life.

Past editions of the Plateau Valley Times tell the story of a Chamber deeply involved in the community — advocating for civic improvements, partnering with the town council on local ordinances, and promoting tourism and agriculture throughout Mesa County’s eastern edge.

In the early 2000s, residents like Becky Sheley and Tammy Entwistle took up the mantle of leadership to keep the Chamber alive. They organized the Fourth of July CPRA Rodeo, coordinated Heritage Day events, and maintained the last printed Plateau Valley Community Directory, a local favorite that listed every household, ranch, and business between Molina and De Beque.

“When I moved to Plateau Valley in 2001, the first thing I did was join the local Chamber of Commerce,” Becky recalled. “The woman in charge was thrilled to see new energy and passed everything to Tammy and me. We didn’t know what we were getting into — but we knew it mattered.”

The Chamber became a lifeline for connection in a rural community often overlooked by larger economic networks. It was the place where new businesses got their start, where community events found volunteers, and where people came together to discuss the future of the valley.

Why Rebuild Now?

Over time, the original Chamber lost structure and participation, leaving a gap in representation for the Plateau Valley’s businesses and citizens. But the need for a central, organized body never disappeared — if anything, it’s more vital today than ever.

The new Plateau Valley Chamber of Commerce is being formally reorganized as a registered 501(c)(6) nonprofit with the State of Colorado, ensuring transparency, accountability, and longevity. This status allows the Chamber to apply for grants, sponsor events, and advocate on behalf of local businesses and industries — including agriculture, ranching, tourism, trades, and small business development.

In early 2025, community members began circulating a petition calling for the Chamber’s revival — laying the groundwork for what is now a renewed, valley-wide effort to reconnect and rebuild.

“Our goal isn’t to reinvent the Chamber — it’s to restore it,” says Taylor Kelly-Lottman, who initiated the reorganization process. “We’re honoring the legacy of those who came before us while creating tools for modern business owners to thrive in a connected, rural economy.”

Preserving the Plateau Valley’s Character — and Its Future

While the Western Slope continues to grow and change, the Plateau Valley stands as one of Colorado’s last truly agricultural strongholds. Local ranchers supply beef to regional markets, farmers provide fresh produce to nearby towns, and small businesses keep the local economy resilient.

Reestablishing the Plateau Valley Chamber of Commerce ensures that the people who live and work here have a voice in how growth happens — prioritizing community values, sustainable development, and the preservation of our valley’s unique character.

Through future partnerships with Mesa County, local schools, tourism boards, and neighboring chambers, the PV Chamber will help connect the Plateau Valley to new opportunities — without compromising its roots.

A Modern Approach to a Historic Organization

The Chamber’s new online platform, PlateauValleyChamber.org, offers a free local business directory where residents and visitors can easily find services, shops, and artisans throughout the valley.

Local business owners can now claim or create their free listing, connect with other members, and participate in new Chamber initiatives, including:

• Business development workshops

• Local networking and collaboration events

• Community marketing and tourism partnerships

• Annual Plateau Valley heritage celebrations

Join Us: Two Public Meetings on November 3rd, 2025

To make participation as accessible as possible, two open meetings will be held on Monday, November 3rd:

• 4:00 PM – Collbran Fire Station

• 6:30 PM – Mesa Community Center

Both meetings are open to business owners, ranchers, artists, civic leaders, and residents who want to shape the Chamber’s structure, mission, and early committees.

A Legacy Rekindled

The Plateau Valley has always been defined by its people — those who choose to live close to the land, build with their hands, and look out for their neighbors. Reviving the Chamber isn’t just about paperwork or bylaws; it’s about rebuilding the connective tissue of our local economy and restoring a voice for the community.

And in the same spirit that once filled the pages of the Chamber’s 2009 Community Directory, we’re picking up where those before us left off — writing the next chapter in a story that belongs to all of us.