Quarterly
Coffee Recap | Sept. 20
More than 100 people gathered for the Quarterly Coffee, sponsored by Pritchard Companies, on Sept 20 at the Surf Ballroom & Museum
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Stacy Doughan; Clear Lake Community School District Superintendent Doug Gee, Clear Creek Elementary Principal Troy Lentell and Clear Creek Assistant Principal Mallory Ziesmer; Clear Lake Mayor Pro Tem and Second Ward Councilman Bennett Smith; North Iowa Corridor President and CEO Chad Schreck; and Pritchard Companies Director of Retail Operations Ellen Pritchard Sedlock 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 Dec 20, 2024!
Upcoming Chamber Events
Fridays, Oct. 4, Nov. 1 & Dec. 6 | 9-10 AM
Social Media Power Hour
Location Varies
Join Marketing & Communications Specialist
Maddie Anderly and Tourism Director Libbey Hohn for this opportunity to take your social media game to the next level and unlock new opportunities for your business! Limited spots available, so RSVP to libbey@clearlakeiowa com
Saturday, Oct. 5 | 9 AM
Champagne 5K
Downtown Clear Lake
Kick off Harvest Festival with the fun Champagne 5K walk/run featuring bubbly Sign up for the Champagne 5K here!
Saturday, Oct. 5 | 9 AM-4 PM
Harvest Festival
Downtown Clear Lake
Stroll down Main Avenue and enjoy wine and beer samples, shopping, vendors and a huge outdoor farmers market Don’t forget about the homemade salsa contest, grape stomp competition, food trucks, live music, hay rides and more!
Fridays, Oct. 11, Nov. 8 & Dec. 13 | 10 AM
Monthly Senior Chamber Coffee Chamber, 205 Main Ave
Thursday, Oct. 17 | 4:30-6 PM
Business After Hours
173° Craft Distillery
Learn more about the services offered by Crisis Intervention Service and enjoy refreshments while building valuable connections with other Chamber members
Friday, Oct. 18 | 10-11 a.m.
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
Thursday, Nov. 7 | Varies
Clear Lake Retail Holiday Preview
Throughout Clear Lake
Retailers usher in the holiday shopping season with a preview Shoppers get a glimpse at the latest in holiday gift giving and decorations and enjoy discounts and treats
Saturday, Nov. 30
Small Business Saturday
Throughout Clear Lake
A day to celebrate and support our small businesses and all they do for our community
Please join us in supporting our local businesses by shopping at their locations throughout the Clear Lake Area
Saturday, Dec. 7
Christmas by the Lake Downtown Clear Lake
Kick off the holiday season with this familyfriendly event featuring horse-drawn carriage rides, a craft show, a petting zoo, a visit with Santa and more as well as a lighted parade and fireworks over the frozen lake
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Business After Hours
Farmers State Bank, 210 1st Ave N
Stay tuned for more information!
Friday, Dec 20 | 7:30 a m
Quarterly Coffee
Surf Lounge, 460 N Shore Dr
New hire, promotion, award, recognition or event you'd like to share? Email ashley@clearlakeiowa com to get on the agenda
3
Fall Fun in Clear Lake, Iowa
Clear Lake is a wonderful place for locals and visitors to enjoy fall with family fun, delicious treats, and picture-perfect memories. Learn more here.
Behind the Scenes of My Internship at the Chamber
Summer Intern Avah Hogg looks back on her time at the Chamber and recommends the memorable opportunity to others.
Free Things to Do in Clear Lake, Iowa
Whether you’re a local or visiting, there are plenty of cost-free ways to enjoy our charming lakeside town Here’s your guide to some of the best free things to do in Clear Lake
Get Weiss: Making the Most of Your Chamber Benefits
By Ashley Weiss Membership Engagement Director
Holiday shopping season is upon us, and that likely means an influx of Chamber Bucks in circulation as friends and family look for ways to provide a versatile gift that supports the local economy
By buying local, you help create jobs in our community, contribute to improved public infrastructure, and invest in Clear Lake both socially and economically.
Chamber Bucks are accepted at all Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce member businesses. (That means yours!)
While they look like a check, they are more like a gift card that can be redeemed at nearly 500 locations for products or services Our searchable Online Business Directory lists all participating members.
Anyone can buy Chamber Bucks, and in fact, many
employers purchase them in bulk to hand out to their employees for occasions throughout the year
The minimum purchase for Chamber Bucks is $10, but they can be ordered in any amount greater than that. Commonly, they’re ordered for $10, $15, $25, or $50 Keep in mind that any Chamber Bucks check must be redeemed at one location toward a single purchase of equal or greater value. If the purchase is less than the amount of your Chamber Bucks, the balance is forfeited
Chamber Bucks may be purchased at Clear Lake Bank & Trust, 322 Main Ave , not the Chamber Office by cash or check only, and they must be redeemed within 90 days of purchase
If you have questions about Chamber Bucks or your other membership benefits, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Chamber team at 641-357-2159 or myself at ashley@clearlakeiowa com
Preparation has started on the 2025 Destination Clear Lake Visitor Guide, so please take the time to make sure your online business directory on clearlakeiowa com has your most up-to-date information The guide is distributed to 40,000 people and the online business directory is searched nearly 150,000 times each year You can update and edit your listing by logging into the Member Information Center If you haven’t logged in before, simply click “No login created? Sign up now.” Enter the email you provided to the Chamber, and you should receive an email with setup instructions within a few minutes
Volunteers Needed
Harvest Festival | Saturday, Oct. 5
Harvest Festival is returning to downtown Clear Lake, and we’ve got a full day of fall fun planned.
That means we need volunteers to help with pouring tasting splashes and working at the information booth. You don’t need to know anything about beer/wine to be a pourer (our wineries take care of the wine education part, they just need a little help keeping the lines moving), and our team will help you at the information booth.
All shifts are two hours, so you can volunteer AND enjoy the festival
Sign up to volunteer here
Cerro Gordo Clean Energy District Mason City, IA 50401
Educational Opportunities
Main Event Catering 2023 7th Ave N
Corporate Transparency Act Compliance Seminar
Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 1 PM | Online via Zoom
Learn the tools and gain the confidence to handle your business’s CTA compliance during this free webinar with BrownWinick Law Firm 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 Register here
GoldmanSachs 10,000 Small Business Information Session
Thursday, Oct 24 | 1-2 PM | Online via Zoom
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Iowa is a program for small businesses that links learning to action Through the program, participants will gain practical skills in topics such as negotiation, marketing, and employee management that can immediately be put into action In addition, they will receive the tools and professional support to develop a strategic and customized growth plan that will take their business to the next level Applications for the program are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications for the Spring 2025 cohort are due Nov 1 To register for this free online webinar, click here
Marketing Essentials: The Entrepreneurship Essentials Series
Thursday, Nov 21 | 5:30 PM | NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
Business Transition Planning Workshop
Thursday, Nov 14 | 1 PM | NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
Does your business have a vision for the long-term? Develop the strategies you need to future-proof your business in this free workshop led by the experts. Speakers from The Business Brokers and BrownWinick Law Firm will guide you through everything you need to know about planning for the future.
Seats are limited - click here to register in advance to secure your spot!
In this 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
Financial Essentials: The Entrepreneurship Essentials Series
Thursday, Dec 5 | 5:30 PM | NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
In this 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 decision-making Discover how to create accurate projections that guide your business growth and unlock valuable insights into your company's fiscal wellbeing To register, click here
Ribbon Cuttings + Groundbreakings
Emerald Cove Townhomes Groundbreaking | Tuesday, July 2
The Red Cardinal | Wednesday, July 17
MBT Bank | Tuesday, June 25
Da-Lish Acai Bar | Monday, July 1
Pickleball and Basketball Courts | Monday, July 22
New Mason City Municipal Airport Commercial Terminal | Wednesday, July 24
Precise and Tuned Auto | Monday, Aug. 5
The Lakeview | Tuesday, Aug. 6
Ribbon Cuttings + Groundbreakings
New member? Remodeled or relocated? Comm
The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce First Mates wan or email her at stacy@clearlakeiowa com to get your ribbon cutting or groundbreaking on the calendar
News + Updates
Five new faces join First Mates
Amanda Korenberg, Stephany Insurance; Kristy Priebe, Clear Lake Bank & Law Firm; Kara Trettin, One Vision; and Missy Voigts, United Beverage, LLC; of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce First Mates, or ambassad among the membership and the community You’ll find them celebrating me cuttings, groundbreakings and business events as well as volunteering at t events and delivering calendars.
North Iowa Studio Tour | Friday, Sept. 13
North Iowa Community Action Organization | Tuesday, Sept. 17
Don’s Body Shop | Thursday, Sept. 5
Chad’s Pizza | Thursday, Aug. 8
Amanda Korenberg Account Executive, Stephany Insurance
Shelby Smith Associate Attorney, Laird Law Firm
Kara Trettin Development Communications Director, One Vision
Missy Voigts General Manager, United Beverage, LLC
Kristy Priebe Marketing/PR Generalist, Clear Lake Bank & Trust
Cash voted Honorary First Mate
Deb Cash, a mortgage lender at Farmers State Bank, and longtime Chamber advocate was unanimously voted an Honorary First Mate by the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors during their June monthly meeting.
The recognition honors a First Mate who has served with dedication and distinction for many years
Cash has been a First Mate, or Chamber ambassador, for nearly 15 years, and served on the Chamber Board of Directors from 20162022.
She was named the 2022 Larry Luker Volunteer of the Year, a Chamber award that recognizes an individual who stands out in his or her leadership, contributions, and unselfish record of volunteerism to the North Iowa area, and was recognized as the 2017 First Mate of the Year, an honor recognizing a First Mate’s significant contributions to the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce in both attendance and engagement
Cash joins Denni Sue Erickson, Alice Hanley and Elly Harmeyer as honorary First Mates.
In addition to her role as a First Mate, she also volunteers on the Color the Wind Kite Festival and Harvest Festival committees and recently rolled off the Lake Leadership Committee.
Tens of thousands participate in July 4th Celebration
More than 120,000 people visited Clear Lake during the five-day July 4th Celebration this year to enjoy carnival rides, food and fun
The event opened on Wednesday, July 3, with the Evans United Shows carnival. Live music filled the stage in City Park each night, including Brad Morgan (sponsored by Harrison Ford), Arch Allies (Clear Lake Bank & Trust, Curries/ASSA ABLOY and Joshua Homes), and the M80s with special guests Turn Me Loose and Big Bam Boom (sponsored by Kingland and Renovo Media Group). The celebration also featured a ide vendor market, Bingo, and Family Fun Day ties, sponsored by CL Tel and Woodford Lumber me.
than 90 entries participated in the July 4th de, which had a “Waves of Freedom” theme, that attended by more than 16,000 people CL Tel was gnized as this year’s Parade Grand Marshal.
The winners of this year’s parade, judged by the Chamber’s Gen Zers Maddie Anderly, Avah Hogg and Zoe Fasbender, were: First Place, Lake Theatre; Second Place, Harrison Ford of Clear Lake; and Third Place, Pritchard Companies.
Thousands flocked to the lake for an incredible evening fireworks display The Clear Lake Municipal Band, sponsored by Larson’s Mercantile, played in City Park before the fireworks.
Mark your calendars for July 2-6, 2025, for next year’s celebration!
Two teams earn trophy at Chamber’s Golf FUNdraiser
Twenty-eight teams participated in the Chamber’s annual Golf FUNdraiser on Friday, July 19, at Veterans Memorial Golf Club in Clear Lake.
This year’s event featured a nine-hole tournament with games and activities at each hole, lunch by Big Brad’s BBQ and a social hour open to all Chamber members with food provided by Hy-Vee West
For the first time ever, Brin & Lew and Marco tied, both scoring 25 points, to take home this year’s trophy.
The First Mates introduced “Ope” ducks to their “What the Duck?!” game at Hole 1, which when drawn resulted in golfers wearing a duck rob and swimming flippers for some memorable photos A special thanks to the dozens of Chamber members who donated merchandise or gift certificates as prizes for the game, which supports the First Mates’ effort to be ambassadors for the Chamber and its mission
Thank you to our hole sponsors ServiceMaster by Rice, First Gabrielson Agency, Cabin Coffee Co., MBT Bank, Pritchard Companies, CL Tel, Farmers State Bank, Clear Lake Bank & Trust, CLB&T Insurance and Financial Services, Reagan Outdoor Advertising, ATURA Architecture and Bergland + Cram; and keg and social hour sponsors United Beverage and Midwest Construction, respectively; for making this event a success
Thursdays on Main draws record attendance
Thursdays on Main drew an average of 7,200 people to downtown Clear Lake each week to enjoy live music, food and retail vendors and fun for the whole family.
The 11-week event kicked off in May and featured bounce houses, Wayne’s Ski and Cycle’s Strider Bike Course, and more than 100 retail and food vendors participated in the event this summer, including a record number of food trucks.
For the second year, the Chamber teamed up with member Mojo Productions of Britt for the classic car show, known as Mojo’s Main Avenue Cruise-In, and the most vehicles on display in one evening was nearly 100 and more than 650 over the course of the summer
There were also special guest appearances from popular children’s characters Paw Patrol’s Chase and Poppy, and a special Back-to-School night concluded the event on Aug 15 with a dunk tank to raise money for the Clear Lake Kids and Families in Need Fund
Thank you to the following sponsors for making the 11-week event a success: Rookies Rockin’ Sports Bar, Sevens Restaurant & Steakhouse, TAP’d, Curries/ASSA ABLOY, Pritchard Companies, First Citizens Bank, Clear Lake Bank & Trust, CL Tel, Mediacom, Kingland, Community Health Center, 173° Craft Distillery, Midland Concrete, Larson’s Mercantile, Hall Realty, Charlie Brown Preschool & Child Care, Cookies etc , Bergland + Cram, Farmers State Bank, MBT Bank, and Veenstra & Kimm.
Chamber launches “Building A Bright Future” Capital Campaign
The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce recently surpassed the $1 million threshold for its capital campaign, "Building a Bright Future," aimed at funding the expansion and renovation of its facilities This ambitious project will modernize the Chamber's headquarters, enabling it to better serve the community and support local economic growth
"The need for expansion is clear," said Nelson Crabb, Clear Lake mayor. "Our Chamber's activities are crucial for our community's vibrancy, and they're currently working out of a space too cramped to allow for their expansive vision."
The project aims to more than double the current building's size, providing a new, accessible welcome center, a dedicated event preparation area, and modern meeting spaces These improvements will enhance business and tourism support, community and cultural events, and ensure accessibility for all, fostering a welcoming environment for both residents and visitors
"After years of planning and dreaming, we are now in a strong financial position to b project to life,” said Sarah Nielsen, CFO Citizens Bank and Clear Lake Area Ch Commerce Board Chair, highlight strategic timing of the campaign “ facility will not only serve the current our vibrant community but also accom future growth "
Since launching its campaign in Au Chamber has already garnered s support, securing early donation community stakeholders:
Legacy ($120,000+): Hanson Foundation ($250,000), First Charitable Foundation ($125,000), City of Clear Lake ($250,000)
Visionary ($60,000-119,999): Cle Bank & Trust ($60,000), and ($60,000)
Supporter ($1,000-2,499): ABCM Corporation ($1,000), Roger & Lee Walston ($1,000), Bennett Smith ($1,000), Ron & Kathy Fiscus ($1,000), Tim & Pam Coffey ($1,500), American Solutions for Business ($2,000), and Joshua Hawley ($1,000)
Donors can contribute directly to the Chamber or make a tax-deductible donation through the Clear Lake Development Foundation, supporting the project. Contributions can be made as one-time gifts or spread over up to five years
"The expansion is not about luxury; it's about necessity," Nielsen said. "It's about creating a space that not only meets the needs of today's Chamber but also propels us into the future, making Clear Lake an even more attractive place to live, work, and play."
For more information on the "Building a Bright Future" capital campaign, or to donate, please visit www.clearlakiowa.com/future.
Watch a flythrough of the Chamber’s new Welcome Center here.
Cornerstone ($25,000-59,999): Clear Lake Chamber Board ($46,300), ATURA Architecture (In-Kind $34,000), Pritchard Family Auto Stores ($25,000), Farmers State Bank ($25,000), and Kingland ($25,000) Champion ($15,000-24,999): Brad & Angie Barber, Robert Barber, Cabin Coffee Company ($15,000) Advocate ($5,000-14,999): George & Jane Jessen, Heartland Asphalt ($10,000), Larson’s Mercantile ($10,000), Clear Lake Chamber Team ($7,500), Dr Robert Borgman ($5,000), and Tony & Amy Brownlee ($5,000)
BoardofDirectors
TeamMembers
Dr Robert Borgman Tony & Amy Brownlee
Partner ($2,500-4,999) Anonymous
Supporter ($1,000-2,499)
ABCM Corporation
Roger & Lee Walston
Bennett Smith
Ron & Kathy Fiscus
Tim & Pam Coffey - In Honor of Mayor Nelson Crabb
American Solutions for Business
Joshua Hawley - In Memory of Bob & Alice Hawley
Friend (Up to $999)
Kathy Norris
Bill & Linda Jarnagin
Dan & Suzanne Schuknecht
Zion Lutheran Women
Jim Jackson
Members honor Educators
More than 260 Clear Lake Community School District teachers and staff were treated to a large, hot breakfast on the morning of Monday, Aug 19, during this year’s Educators Appreciation Breakfast
Thirty-two sponsors decorated tables in the High School vestibule with welcome back gifts from school supplies and snacks to gift cards for each person to honor their dedication to the district’s children at the start of a new school year.
Sponsors were invited to sit down and visit with teachers and staff at their table during breakfast, which was catered by Hy-Vee West of Mason City, followed by a brief program
A special congratulations to Chamber President and CEO Stacy Doughan for being recognized as the 2024 Friend of Education by the Clear Lake Education Association
Thank you to the following businesses for helping us provide a warm welcome to the Clear Lake Community School District’s teachers and staff: Athletico Physical Therapy, ATURA Architecture, Bergland + Cram, Brothers Ace Hardware, CENT Credit Union, Clear Lake Bank & Trust, CL Tel, Clear Lake Family Dentistry, Clear Lake Rotary, Community Health Center, Courtesy Corporation McDonald’s, Country Meadow Place, Farmers State Bank, Fareway, First Citizens Bank, First Gabrielson Agency, Lake Time Boat Rentals, Hall Realty, Kingland, Lake Dental Associates, MBT Bank, Mort’s Water Company, NIACC Pappajohn Center, NTI, Ltd , Oakwood Care Center, Paws at the Lake, Pritchard Companies, Starboard Market, Surf Ballroom & Museum Brian and Andi Tisor, and United Beverage.
Board of Directors 2024
Sarah Nielsen, Chair First Citizens Bank
Kent Thoe, Past Chair MBT Bank
Mark Dodd, Chair Elect One Vision
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
Welcome to this Quarter’s New Members
Mosaic 102 W Park St Forest City, IA 50436 641-585-3050
Trimlight Iowa Clear Lake, IA 515-661-4175
Clear Lake Pretzels, Inc. 18 N 3rd St Suite 100 Clear Lake, IA 50428 507-461-2345
Hygeia Wellness & Tanning Spa
510 U.S. Highway 18 E Clear Lake, IA 50428 641-357-5560
Man Cave Cuts 510 U S Highway 18 E Clear Lake, IA 50428 641-420-3389
Farm and Home Publishers
1400 S. 24th St. Suite B Clear Lake, IA 50428 641-444-3508
Still Waters Day & Scalp Spa
630 U S Highway 18 Clear Lake, IA 50428 641-529-1159
Keeling Wealth Advisors 9 Plaza Dr. Suite 6 Clear Lake, IA 50428 641-357-5183
Lake Liquors Wine & Spirits 910 N 8th St W Clear Lake, IA 50428 641-357-4430
The Music Man Square/The Mason City Foundation 308 S Pennsylvania Ave Mason City, IA 50401 641-424-2852
StacyDoughan President/CEO stacy@clearlakeiowa.com
RibbonCuttings,Groundbreakings, BusinessAfterHours,Membership, Sponsorships,LocalMarketing
AshleyWeiss MembershipEngagement Director ashley@clearlakeiowa.com
NewMemberApplications,Online BusinessDirectoryListing, CommunityEventorJobPostings, MemberBenefitsandNewsletter
LibbeyHohn,IOM TourismDirector libbey@clearlakeiowa.com
DestinationClearLakeVisitorGuide andclearlakeiowa.com,Visitor Center,MeetingsandConventions AssistanceandTourismMarketing
MaddieAnderly ClearLakeAreaChamber/ NorthIowaCorridor MarketingSpecialist manderly@northiowacorridor com Allthingssocialmediaandmarketing..
Livonia’s Café 408 Main Ave. Clear Lake, IA 50428 515-570-9784
Clear Lake Nutrition
604 Buddy Holly Place Clear Lake, IA 50428
Faith, Hope & Love Clear Lake, IA 50428 402-677-6248
TrishFundermann EventsDirector trish@clearlakeiowa.com
E-BizAds,BulkMailings,Event Sponsorships,Entertainment Bookings
JennyFasbender AdministrativeandEvents Assistant jennifer@clearlakeiowa.com
VendorApplications,Volunteer OpportunitiesandGeneralBilling
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
400+ 3,900+ 1,000+ 2,100+ 8,100+ 15,000+
360+
4,900+ EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS