2024 03 March Chamber Newsletter

Quarterly Coffee Recap | March 22

Nearly 100 people gathered for the Quarterly Coffee on March 22 at the Surf Ballroom & Museum in Clear Lake

Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Stacy Doughan; Clear Lake Community School District Superintendent Doug Gee; Clear Lake City Administrator Scott Flory; and North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corp President and CEO Chad Schreck provided updates on their respective organizations

Plus, new employees and new members were introduced, upcoming events were shared and business accomplishments and updates were celebrated

Miss the event? Find the full video online here, and mark your calendars for our next one on June 21, 2024!

Upcoming Chamber Events

Thursday, April 11 | 4:30-6 PM

Business After Hours

Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N 4th St

Hosted by the Clear Lake Public Library during National Library Week Discover what the library has to offer, take a tour, and enjoy refreshments

Fridays, April 12, May 10 & June 14 | 10 AM

Monthly Senior Chamber Coffee Chamber, 205 Main Ave

Thursday, April 18 | 4-7 PM

North Iowa Green Expo & Market

Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr

Learn about sustainable practices, energy efficiency ideas, gardening tips, and more Visitors can sample fresh local food, browse eco-friendly products, and talk to experts about environmental issues The Green Expo is free and open to the public Click here to sign up as a Green Expo exhibitor

Friday, April 19 | 10-11 AM

Membership 101

Chamber, 205 Main Ave

Learn how to maximize your member benefits, optimize your business directory listing, and more RSVP to stacy@clearlakeiowa com

wwwclearlakeiowacom

Saturday, April 20 | 8:30 AM-1 PM

Earth Day Youth Mile, 5K/10K & OutdoorFest City Park

Register here for the Youth Mile, 5K or 10K Then, stay downtown and enjoy family-friendly activities during OutdoorFest For more about all the Earth Day activities, click here

Wednesday, April 24 | 9-10 AM

Quarterly Retail Meeting

Chamber, 205 Main Ave

Join us and meet with other member retailers to create a more coordinated marketing effort around special dates, events, and more

Thursday, May 9 | 4:30-6 PM

Business After Hours

One Vision Campus, 1200 N 9th St

Hosted by One Vision Discover their impactful work, take a guided tour, and enjoy refreshments while building valuable connections with other Chamber members

Friday, May 24, & Saturday, May 25

Youth Splash and Dash & TRI Clear Lake

Downtown Clear Lake

Learn more at https://clearlakeiowa com/events/tri-clearlake/ or register here

Thursday, May 30 | 6-9 PM

Thursdays on Main begins

Downtown Clear Lake A fun, family-friendly weekly festival featuring live music, food and retail vendors and more on Main Avenue For additional dates and the entertainment schedule, visit https://clearlakeiowa com/events/thursdayson-main/

Tuesday, June 4 | 4:30-6 PM

Business After Hours

Clear Lake Yacht Club, 103 Main Ave

Hosted by the Association for the Preservation of Clear Lake, Clear Lake Yacht Club and Clear Lake Sailing Center Beverages and light appetizers will be provided

Friday, June 21 | 7:30-9 AM

Quarterly Coffee

Ventura Community Center, 4 Weimer St in Ventura New hire, promotion, award, recognition or event you'd like to share? Email ashley@clearlakeiowa com to get on the agenda

3 Must-Read Blog Posts

Lake Father, Lake Son

Get to know three father-son duos from Clear Lake’s tourism industry and plan to support their mainstay downtown businesses

24 Bucket List Bites

The Chamber team presents the ultimate insider’s guide to the must-try menu items that highlight the culinary landscape in its lakeside home.

Clear Lake Chamber Sponsorship Opportunities

There is still time to support one of the Chamber’s award-winning community or business events Read how in this blog

Get Weiss: Making the Most of Your Chamber Benefits

By Ashley Weiss Membership Engagement Director

One of the primary reasons businesses and organizations choose to invest in membership with the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is to enhance their marketing efforts and maximize their marketing dollars

As a member of the Clear Lake Area Chamber, you have access to a variety of benefits designed to help grow your businesses and organizations, including exclusive marketing opportunities

We recently launched a 2024 Marketing Opportunities Book that outlines the free marketing opportunities available to you as part of your annual membership investment and highlights additional paid marketing opportunities

Some of the free marketing opportunities available include sharing an announcement of interest with our membership at our next Quarterly Coffee event in June; optimizing your online business directory listing so potential customers can find you; putting an upcoming event on our Calendar of Events; displaying

your business cards in our Visitor Center; hosting a ribbon cutting, grand opening or groundbreaking ceremony inviting our First Mates; and promoting your business on social media through continued membership and participation in the Clear Lake, Iowa – SHOP • DINE • Discover Facebook Group

In addition to the opportunities available within your membership, you can choose to advertise in our Clear Lake Calendar, on our website with a banner ad or featured blog, and in an email as well as in the Visitor Guide or even this quarterly newsletter

The marketing book contains information about the ad details, audience size, and cost We want to make sure you’re aware there are opportunities available to you as members of our organization, and we’re more than willing to help you determine which are best for your business or organization

To view the marketing opportunities book, click here, and if you have questions about our offerings or your benefits in general, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at 641-357-2159 or ashley@clearlakeiowa com

As a member of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, you can promote your products, services, sales and specials in our recently renamed "Clear Lake, Iowa - SHOP • DINE • DISCOVER!" Facebook group This group is more than just a marketplace, it’s a place to connect with and support our local business community. The public group has more than 3,100 members and it's growing. Get your content in front of more eyes through this benefit

Volunteers Needed

Trash Bash | April 15-20

Grab your co-workers, friends or family and join others in cleaning up our community ahead of the busy summer You may even qualify for the coveted green jacket Sign up to volunteer here

Earth Day Youth Mile and 5K/10K | April 20

Join us for the Earth Day 5K/10K and Youth Mile races to help make a positive impact on the environment We need your help to make this event a success Sign up to volunteer here

Youth Splash and Dash and TRI Clear Lake | May 24-25

We have a variety of volunteer roles available for TRI Clear Lake, from setting up and tearing down to cheering the amazing athletes on along the course. You can sign up here If that doesn’t work for you, call the Chamber at 641-357-2159 or email Jen Fasbender at jennifer@clearlakeiowa com We recommend you do it soon to get your first choice. You are welcome to sign up for more than one spot we need help both days!

Chamber Golf FUNdraiser

Friday, July 19

Veterans Memorial Golf Club, 2000 N. Shore Dr.

11:30 AM-5 PM

Cost: $240 for a four-person team For more information or to register, click here

News + Updates

Three new faces join Chamber First Mates in 2024

and Drew Walswick, Harrison

of Clear Lake, are the newest members of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce First Mates, or ambassadors, promoting its mission among the membership and the community You’ll find them celebrating member businesses at ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings and business events as well as volunteering at the Chamber’s community ev t d d li ring ca

Clear Lake Area Chamber President and CEO Stacy Doughan recently completed her third year at Institute for Organization Management, a four-year nonprofit leadership training program at The University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona.

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U S Chamber of Commerce It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates

Kathy Norris, Payteva; Becky Spencer, Hertz Farm Management;

Ford

Kathy Norris Senior National Relationship Manager, Payteva

Becky Spencer Administrative Professional, Hertz Farm Management

Drew Walswick Marketing Director, Harrison Ford of Clear Lake

Legacy Golf Course at the

Chamber celebrates 2023 successes, recognizes Annual Award winners

The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce recognized local business and community leaders at its 81st Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration on Friday, Jan 26, at the Best Western Holiday Lodge.

More than 200 people, representing more than 50 member businesses and organizations, attended the evening event that featured a happy hour and hors d’oeurvres, awards presentation, and live entertainment by Pianopalooza, a dueling piano show

The 2023 award recipients are as follows:

CL Tel, Business of the Year

The award recognizes a standout Chamber business that has exemplified outstanding service and contribution to our community.

173° Craft Distillery, Entrepreneur of the Year

This new award celebrates an individual or business with an innovative and visionary entrepreneurial spirit.

Bash at the Lake, Spirit of North Iowa

The award, formerly called the North Iowa Service Award, recognizes an individual or group committed to enhancing the quality of life in North Iowa without regard for personal gain

Everybody Plays Inclusive Playground Committee, Larry Luker Volunteer of the Year

The Larry Luker Volunteer of the Year Award was created to recognize an individual or group whose volunteer efforts have made a significant impact on the North Iowa area.

Kristi Miles, First Mate of the Year

The First Mate of the Year is an individual who demonstrates significant contributions to the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce during the preceding year both in attendance and engagement

In addition to the awards presentation, the Chamber named three new Chamber Board members, recognized outgoing board members, and announced its 2024 board officers

Those new to the board are Chris Fischer, Athletico Physical Therapy; Candace Karsjens, NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center; and Brad Peterson, 173° Craft Distillery

The Chamber Board and officers for 2024 were introduced: Sarah Nielsen, First Citizens Bank and 2024 Chair; Kent Thoe, MBT Bank and Past Chair; Mark Dodd, One Vision and Chair Elect; Josh Thompson, Clear Lake Bank & Trust and Treasurer; Robert Barber, Cabin Coffee Company and Vice Chair of Tourism and Marketing; Amanda Kasten, Kingland and Vice Chair of Membership; Kent Beatty, CL Tel; Aaron Donaldson, Lake Theatre Denni Sue Erickson, Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel; Liz LeFevre, First Gabrielson Agency; Kristi Miles, Pritchard Family Auto Stores; Austin Pehl, ATURA Architecture; Carrie Shannon, Hall Realty; and Krystal Thoe, Oakwood Care Center

Michael Knorr, Accord Architecture, and Carrie Tysdahl, American Solutions for Business, retired from the board

The mission of the Clear Lake Area Chamber is to be the champion for business success and quality of life, creating a thriving destination and driving community prosperity

CL Tel, Business of the Year

173° Craft Distillery, Entrepreneur of the Year

Everybody Plays Inclusive Playground, L ar

Kristi Miles, First Mate of the Year

Welcome Maddie Anderly

We're thrilled to introduce Maddie Anderly, our new Marketing and Communications Specialist for both the North Iowa Corridor EDC and Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. A Clear Lake native and graduate of NIACC and UNI, she brings a fresh wave of creativity and passion for community growth

Maddie, along with her husband, Austin, and their furry companions, Penelope, Opal, and Blu, call Mason City home When the sun's shining, you'll find them enjoying the warm weather with friends and family at the best bars and restaurants around the lake

She looks forward to elevating our community's voice and showcasing the unique charm that makes Mason City and Clear Lake truly special She can't wait to embark on this exciting journey of promoting economic development, collaboration, and all the incredible opportunities that make our region thrive

Join us in welcoming Maddie to the team, as we look forward to her fresh perspective and unwavering commitment to the success of North Iowa!

Tourism launches 2024 Destination Clear Lake Visitor Guide

It was standing room only as Clear Lake Chamber & Tourism launched its 2024 Destination Clear Lake - The Official Clear Lake Visitor Guide - on Thursday, Jan. 11, with an after-hours event at TAP’d.

"The cover of our visitor guide this year serves as a visual testament to the promising future of the historic Surf District, with a vibrant rainbow symbolizing the exciting developments ahead," said Tourism Director Libbey Hohn

This year’s visitor guide includes features on the Clear Lake Yacht Club; “Lake Father, Lake Son;” “Girlfriends’ Getaway Shopping Guide;” “Bucket List Bites;” your events guide, plus where to shop, eat, play and stay

The Chamber prints and distributes 40,000 Destination Clear Lake visitor guides each year Click here to view our digital edition or request a copy today!

Ice Conditions force cancellation of Clear Lake’s 2024 Color the Wind

The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce was disappointed to cancel the Color the Wind Kite Festival, scheduled for Feb. 17, due to deteriorating ice conditions.

Consistent above average winter temperatures made the ice unsafe to host the extraordinary winter festival that drew nearly 20,000 people to Clear Lake last year. Next year’s event will be Feb. 15, 2025.

The festival showcases an awe-inspiring collection of gigantic inflatable kites masterfully flown by dedicated kite enthusiasts from all corners of the United States

Color the Wind is made possible thanks to the generosity of numerous local sponsors.

The festival was started in 2001 by Larry and Kay Day of Clear Lake, and the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce took over the event in 2022 with guidance from the Days.

In the kite festival’s history, it’s been canceled twice due to deteriorating ice conditions, once in 2013 and the other in 2017

Retro Logo Pop-Up Shop is Live!

You asked for throwback tourism logo merchandise, and we heard you! Check out this limited-edition and limited-time lineup of T-shirts, tanks, and sweatshirts with the vintage Clear Lake tourism logos you love from the ‘40s, ‘60s. ‘80s and ‘90s! This shop closes on Friday, April 5, so shop now here!

Lake Leadership continues with Business & Industry Day, City and County Government Day and Ag Day

The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is in the final months of its 2024 Lake Leadership Class, comprising 24 individuals representing area businesses from North Iowa

Lake Leadership is the Chamber's flagship program meeting once a month from September through May on the third Wednesday The program is designed to educate civic-minded individuals by using our community as a classroom Lake Leadership takes participants behind the scenes in the Clear Lake area, providing them the opportunity to network with their peers and learn more about our community and area businesses.

In January, the class learned about Clear Lake’s businesses and industries. In February, they learned about local and county law enforcement, government , and in March, the class learned about area In April, they will discover the unique and colorful history of our community, sprinkled with gems about county history, ahead of graduating in May

Interested in joining the Lake Leadership Class of 2025? Please email Stacy Doughan at stacy@clearlakeiowa.com for more information or to request the Lake Leadership application

Journey Jottings from Clear Lake’s Visitor Center

The Clear Lake Visitor Center at 205 Main Ave. welcomes nearly 6,000 visitors from around the world each year who are seeking general travel information or the best places to eat, stay or shop. Here are some of their initial impressions, experiences, and reasons for traveling to our beautiful lake town.

“Beautiful drive around the lake”

-Stephanie and Terry P, Royal Wooton Bassett-Wiltshire, England

“This is my B-day vacation Born 2-3-59”

-Dana H., Vancouver, Washington

“Beautiful town.”

-Carla M., Niagara, Wisconsin

“We lived here 25 years ago when we were first married. Fun day visiting the shops and looking for our brick with our kids.”

-Gina and Mike T, Olathe, Kansas “WOW!”

-Jim and Margaret R., Peterson, Iowa

Thank You to Outgoing Board Members Knorr and Tysdahl

Michael Knorr Accord Architecture

Carrie Tysdahl American Solutions for Business

The Chamber appreciates the time and talents Michael Knorr and Carrie Tysdahl have dedicated to the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce as board members

Welcome New Board Members

Board of Directors 2024

Sarah Nielsen, Chair First Citizens Bank

Kent Thoe, Past Chair MBT Bank

Mark Dodd, Chair Elect One Vision

In February, three new board members started their three-year term on the Chamber Board of Directors.

Chris Fischer Athletico Physical Therapy

Brad Peterson

173° Craft Distillery

Josh Thompson, Treasurer Clear Lake Bank & Trust

Robert Barber, Vice Chair, Tourism and Marketing Cabin Coffee Company

Amanda Kasten, Vice Chair, Marketing Kingland

Kent Beatty CL Tel

Aaron Donaldson Lake Theatre

Denni Sue Erickson

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel

Chris Fischer Athletico Physical Therapy

Candi Karsjens

NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center

Liz LeFevre First Gabrielson Agency

Kristi Miles

Pritchard Family Auto Stores - Lake Chevrolet

Austin Pehl ATURA Architecture

Brad Peterson

173° Craft Distillery

Carrie Shannon Hall Realty

Krystal Thoe Oakwood Care Center

Candace Karsjens

NIACC Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center

Educational Opportunities

TechTalk: eSports @ Mason City Brewing

Tuesday, March 26 | 5-7 PM

eSports have been called the new sport for the digital generation - competitive, organized video gaming is now a spectator sport and a multi-million dollar industry Community colleges, high schools, universities, and professional leagues are all growing rapidly Join us at TechTalk with the NIACC eSports team for an inside look at this exciting field To register, click here. As always, your first drink is free!

Marketing Essentials: Entrepreneurship Essentials Series

Thursday, April 25 | 5:30-8 PM via Zoom

In the third installment of the series, Marketing Essentials delves into the dynamic world of marketing and branding, focusing on the essential task of creating a strategic approach Elevate your brand and connect with your audience through a strategic blend of digital and traditional marketing methods and develop a well-crafted marketing strategy To register, click here.

Credit Card Processing 101

Tuesday, March 26 | 7:30 AM | Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center

Help your business reduce credit card processing fees with Credit Card Processing 101, brought to you by Payteva and the NIACC Pappajohn Center. This free seminar is specially designed for small business owners In this seminar you'll learn about the latest industry trends and techniques for lowering processing fees A light breakfast will be provided Registration is required To register, click here

Financial Essentials: Entrepreneurship Essentials Series

Thursday, April 18 | 5:30-8 PM via Zoom

In the second installment of the series, Financial Essentials delves into the critical steps required to master your business's finances Your business's financial health is a crucial determinant of its success We demystify financial statements, empowering you to interpret and leverage these vital tools for decisionmaking Discover how to create accurate projections that guide your business growth and unlock valuable insights into your company's fiscal well-being To register, click here

The CTA: Corporate Transparency Act Compliance Seminar

Tuesday, May 14 | 1-2:30 PM via Zoom

Learn the tools and gain the confidence to handle your business’s CTA compliance during this free webinar. Effective Jan. 1, 2024, most new and existing corporate entities in the U S will be required to file reports on their beneficial owners with Financial Crimes Enforcement Network under the Corporate Transparency Act Although there are numerous exemptions from the reporting requirements, many small businesses will not qualify for an exemption and will need to report information on their beneficial owners Featured expert Brennan Block, attorney at BrownWinick Law Firm, will answer questions and guide you through what you need to know about this new reporting requirement Register here

Clear Lake, IA 50428 786-625-2737

Vulcan Hawaiian Barbecue 18 1/2 N Monroe Ave Mason City, IA 50401 641-201-1402

Mk Design Co. Clear Lake, IA 50428 319-296-6103

Chad’s Pizza 909 W. 23rd St. Cedar Falls, IA 50613 319-242-2263

Travel Leaders/Destinations Unlimited

419 1st St. SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 319-360-0075

University of Clear Lake Spirit Lake, IA 51360 641-420-9000

Big O Garage Door, LLC 505 Main Ave. Clear Lake, IA 50428 641-529-7846

Blush Salon and Spa 518 S 8th St Clear Lake, IA 50428 641-357-4774

Complete Weddings + Events - North Central Iowa 7600 University Ave , Suite A Clive, IA 50325 515-266-1355

Crisis Intervention Service 206 Third St NE Mason City, IA 50401 641-423--490

Surf Galley

619 Buddy Holly Place Clear Lake, IA 50428 641-357-5756

2023 BY THE NUMBERS

Reach thousands through the Chamber's events, website, social media and email channels Check out our 2023 marketing reach

270,000+ WEBSITE PAGE VIEWS

145,000+

BUSINESS DIRECTORY SEARCHES

360,000+

EVENTS CALENDAR SEARCHES AND PAGE VIEWS

265,500+

2023 EVENTS ATTENDANCE

Color the Wind Earth Day TRI Clear Lake Thursdays on Main July 4th Celebration Harvest Festival

Christmas by the Lake

26,200+

FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS

4,600+ INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS ACROSS 4 PROFILES

1,000+

2,100+

8,100+

15,000+

4,900+ EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS

400+

3,900+

360+