Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Stacy Doughan; Clear Lake High School Head Boys Basketball Coach eremy Ainley; Clear Lake Interim City Administrator Jacob Widman; and North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corp President and CEO Chad Schreck provided updates on their espective 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 20, 2025!
ClearLakeArtsCenter,17S 4 St th TheClearLakeAreaChamberof CommerceisteamingupwithVisitMason Citytobringtourismprofessionalsfrom acrossNorthIowatogethertoshare importantupdatesandinsightsin preparationfortheupcomingtourism season Tourismindustrypartnerscan registerbyemailing libbey@clearlakeiowacom
Nearly 100 people gathered for the Quarterly Coffee on Friday, March 21, at the Surf Ballroom & Museum in Clear Lake The event began with a special welcome from a Men’s Acapella Chorus quartet
Veterans Memorial Golf Club, 2000 N Shore Dr 11:30 AM-5 PM
Cost: $260 for a four-person team For more information or to register, click here
Educational Opportunities
NIACC Job Expo
Wednesday, April 2 | 10 AM-1 PM | NIACC, 500 College Dr Mason City, IA
Looking for a new job or career opportunity? Stop by the NIACC Job Expo and connect with over 60 businesses ready to share their opportunities with you. Whether you're searching for a fresh start, looking to grow in your field, or just exploring what’s out there, this is a great chance to see what’s available
Bring your questions, your resume (if you have one), and an open mind - you never know what you might find!
Marketing Essentials: Entrepreneurship Essentials Series
Thursday, April 3 | 5:30-7 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. This webinar is a small group workshop that guides you through the essential skills small business owners need. To register, click here.
Financial Essentials: Entrepreneurship Essentials Series
Thursday, April 24 | 5:30-7 PM via Zoom
In the third 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 well-being To register, click here.
3 Must-Read Blog Posts
Your Guide to a Rainy Spring Day in Clear Lake
Spring weather in Iowa can be unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean your plans have to be! Here’s how to make the most of a rainy day in Clear Lake
Treat Yourself in Clear Lake
Clear Lake is the Sweet Treat Capital of North Iowa, offering a delicious array of treat for every craving From classic sodas to decadent desserts, explore the best spots to satisfy your sweet tooth
Promote Your Business with Exclusive Chamber Marketing Opportunities
Get your business, event, or organization in front of thousands with affordable and effective advertising options exclusively available to Clear Lake Area Chamber members!
Get Weiss: Making the Most of Your Chamber Benefits
By Ashley Weiss Membership Engagement Director
The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce offers something for everyone or every business
I’m a firm believer in that
When an individual approaches me about Chamber membership, one of the first questions I ask them is their reason for wanting to join Most answers fall under one of five categories: marketing, networking, community involvement, professional development or vendor discounts at events
Knowing this helps us better serve our members because not everyone’s needs are the same and not everyone’s interests are the same
If you’re reading this and you’re not sure you’re getting the most out of your membership investment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me so we can have a conversation about the value we can provide to your business or organization. We want all our members to succeed, and we want to help connect you to the resources you need to do so
Want to expand your marketing reach? We have both free and paid opportunities available to you as members Want to network with other professionals? See our upcoming events on pages 1 and 2 in this newsletter Want to get involved in making Clear Lake a wonderful place to live, work and visit? We need volunteers.
If you’re not quite sure where to start, mark your calendar for Membership 101 on Friday, April 18, from 10-11 am at our temporary location at 306 Main Ave and send me a note This educational hour will debunk any myths and highlight the active and passive benefits your business or organization receives as part of the Chamber
I am proud of the work that I get to be part of at the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and we want our members to feel that way too
If you have questions about your membership benefits, reach out to me at 641-357-2159 or ashley@clearlakeiowacom I’m always happy to help!
As a member of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, you have the opportunity to get your job openings in front of more people by using our jobs board We recently resurrected our weekly jobs post on social media called “Where to Work Wednesday,” which is shared on our Clear Lake, Iowa, Facebook page and our Clear Lake, Iowa – Shop • Dine • Discover Facebook group Both have thousands of followers who are interested in what Clear Lake has to offer. So how do you add your job postings? You can go to https://membersclearlakeiowacom/jobs/ and click the blue “+” in the upper right corner to submit your jobs
Volunteers Needed
Earth Day Youth Mile and 5K/10K | April 19
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
Trash Bash | April 21-26
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
Youth Splash and Dash and TRI Clear Lake | May 23-24
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!
Ribb C
New member? Remodeled or relocated? Commemorating a business milestone? The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce First Mates want to celebrate with you! Call Stacy at 641-357-2159 or email her at stacy@clearlakeiowacom to get your ribbon cutting or groundbreaking on the calendar.
Bistro Nineteen
Iowa Lot Striping | Friday, Jan. 17
Window World of Mason City | Friday, Jan. 31
Clear Lake Chamber & Tourism
Lake Pin & Play
March 24
News + Updates
Doughan earns Institute for Organization Management designation
Clear Lake Area Chamber President and CEO Stacy Doughan recently graduated from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management, a four-year nonprofit leadership training program training program at the University of Arizona.
This milestone reflects her completion of 96 credit hours of nonprofit management courses over four years and sets her apart as a leader committed to excellence in our community
Institute graduates are recognized nationwide for their expertise and impact, and Doughan is no exception
“These leaders bring the skills and drive to elevate their organizations and industries,” said Raymond P Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management
and membership This hands-on learning gives graduates like Doughan the tools to supercharge their organizations and better serve their communities
The Institute program has been building strong, innovative leaders since 1921. Over four weeklong sessions held at top universities, participants tackle courses in leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance,
“No question this four-year program has helped me better serve our community and organization,” Doughan said “It’s also provided the opportunity to build some pretty special friendships”
Tourism releases 2025 Destination Clear Lake Visitor Guide
The 2025 Destination Clear Lake – The Official Clear Lake Visitor Guide was revealed Thursday, Jan 23, to a record audience during the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration at the Surf Ballroom
That came after Tourism Director Libbey Hohn worked diligently for months behind the scenes on the ultimate guide to making the most of Clear Lake this year
The visitor guide is packed with everything you need to plan your visit, including a full lineup of 2025 events, insider feature stories on exciting new projects like the Chamber & Visitor Center and the highly anticipated Music Experience Center, opening this summer
This year’s visitor guide was designed and printed by Farm and Home Publishers of Clear Lake
The Chamber prints and distributes 40,000 Destination Clear Lake visitor guides each year
Request a 2025 Destination Clear Lake Visitor Guide to be mailed to you here
View a digital edition of the Visitor Guide here.
Chamber celebrates ‘Building a Bright Future’ at Annual Meeting
The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce brought together business and community leaders at its Building a Bright Future Annual Meeting, Visitor Guide Reveal and Awards Celebration on Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Surf Ballroom & Museum
Nearly 250 people, representing more than 70 member businesses and organizations, attended the afternoon event that featured a happy hour and appetizers, awards presentation, and progressive Chamber bingo to raise funds for its $2 million “Building a Bright Future” capital campaign.
The 2024 award recipients are as follows:
One Vision, Business of the Year
The award recognizes a standout Chamber business that has exemplified outstanding service and contribution to our community
The Funky Zebras, Entrepreneur of the Year
This new award celebrates an individual or business with an innovative and visionary entrepreneurial spirit
NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, 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
North Iowa Cultural Center & Museum Board of Directors, 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
Denise Etzel, 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 five new Chamber Board members, recognized outgoing board members, and announced its 2025 board officers
Those new to the board are Ryan Amble, Curries-ASSA ABLOY; Collin Davison, Laird Law Firm; Vernon Johnson, CL Tel; Michael Knorr, Accord Architecture; and Pam Pitkin, MBT Bank.
The Chamber Board and officers for 2025 were introduced: Mark Dodd, One Vision and 2025 Chair; Sarah Nielsen, First Citizens Bank and Past Chair; Natalie Plagge, 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; Liz LeFevre, First Gabrielson Agency; Kristi Miles, Pritchard Family Auto Stores; Austin Pehl, ATURA Architecture; Carrie Shannon, Hall Realty; Krystal Thoe, Oakwood Care Center; Chris Fischer, Athletico Physical Therapy; Candi Karsjens, NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center; Brad Peterson, 173° Craft Distillery
Kent Beatty, CL Tel; Aaron Donaldson, Lake Theatre; Denni Sue Erickson, Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel; and Kent Thoe, MBT Bank; 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.
The Funky Zebras,
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North Iowa Cultural Center & Museum, L ar
Denise Etzel, First Mate of the Year
Lake Leadership Class explores business and government
The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is in the final months of its 2025 Lake Leadership Class, comprising 22 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 civicminded 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 got an inside look into Clear Lake’s thriving businesses and industries during “Made in Clear Lake Day” In February, they gained insight into the workings of our local government and the services their tax dollars support, like law enforcement, emergency services, water quality and more March’s Ag Day was postponed due to blizzard conditions.
In April, they will discover the unique and colorful history of our community, sprinkled with gems about county history, ahead of making up Ag Day and graduating in May
Thank you to our member businesses who help make this program one that’s talked about for years.
Interested in joining the Lake Leadership Class of 2026? Please email Stacy Doughan at stacy@clearlakeiowa.com for more information or to request the Lake Leadership application Space is limited and usually fills up quickly
Color the Wind soars despite snow-filled week
Nearly 10,000 visitors attended the Color the Wind kite festival in Clear Lake on Saturday, Feb 15, despite significant snowfall in the days leading up to the event
The festival showcased an awe-inspiring collection of gigantic inflatable kites masterfully flown above the frozen lake by more than 50 dedicated kite enthusiasts from all corners of the United States
The turnout was a welcome change from last year when the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce was forced to cancel the event due to deteriorating ice conditions for the third time in its history
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.
Color the Wind is made possible thanks to the generosity of numerous local sponsors and those who attended and generously gave the $5 suggested donation
A special thank you to our Presenting sponsors: Curries-ASSA ABLOY and NextEra Energy; our Wind Twister sponsors: CL Tel, Clear Lake Bank & Trust, Clear Lake Noon Lions, Rookies/Sevens/TAP’d; our Freestyler sponsors: Cabin Coffee Company, City of Clear Lake, Clear Lake Rotary, Cookies, etc, MBT Bank, NTI, LTD., and The Other Place; and our
Thank you also to Kingland, Pritchard Companies, St Patrick Catholic Church and Clear Lake Schools for opening up their parking lots for our shuttles; The Clear Lake Arts Center for hosting the pilot reception; the Gyro Place for catering the reception; Best Western for hosting our pilots; as well as Clear Lake’s Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Police and Fire departments for their assistance and care during the event.
Mark your calendars: Color the Wind will return to Clear Lake on Feb. 21, 2026.
contributing sponsors Larson’s Mercantile and Hall Realty
We moved (temporarily)!
Big things are happening at the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce!
As we await construction on our brand-new Welcome Center & Chamber office, we’ve packed up and moved one block east to 306 Main Ave in Clear Lake
This is our temporary home while our new space is being built at 205 Main Ave with an expected grand opening in summer 2026.
What’s staying the same?
Our hours: 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday – Friday
Our phone number: 641-357-2159
Our mailing address: PO Box 188
We’re still here to serve you, just from a different spot for now! Stop by, say hello, and follow our journey as we build a bright future
The project – identified as a goal by the Chamber’s Board of Directors in its 2022-2027 strategic plan – will more than double our previous location’s size, providing a new, accessible welcome center, dedicated event preparation area, and modern meeting spaces
Our new Welcome Center & Chamber office is a big step forward, and we’re still raising funds to make it a reality If every Chamber member pledged $200 per year for five years, we’d be at our goal! Our goal is to hit our fundraising goal prior to breaking ground next month We’re grateful for the generosity we’ve already received
Learn more or make a pledge at wwwclearlakeiowacom/future
Journey Jottings from Clear Lake’s Visitor Center
The Clear Lake Visitor Center 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
“So pretty, and nice people!”
-Heidi W, Winona, Minnesota
“Visiting family Cute city!”
-Kimberly and Charles B., Largo, Florida
“We’re at the Kite Festival for the first time We moved to Clear Lake from Arizona.”
-Laurie and Bob S, Clear Lake, Iowa
“Kudos for awesome info!”
-Margaret and Jim R., Peterson, Iowa
“So beautiful but very windy and snowy! Here for the kites!
-Taelor and Zach, Minneapolis, Minnesota
“Helpful & friendly!”
-Doug and Judy B., Camrose, Alberta
Thank you to our four outgoing board members!
The Chamber appreciates the time and talents Kent Beatty, Aaron Donaldson, Denni Sue Erickson, and Kent Thoe have dedicated to the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce as board members.
Welcome New Board Members
Board of Directors 2025
Mark Dodd, Chair Elect One Vision
Sarah Nielsen, Past Chair First Citizens Bank
Robert Barber, Chair Elect and Vice Chair, Tourism and Marketing Cabin Coffee Company
Natalie Plagge, Treasurer Clear Lake Bank & Trust
Amanda Kasten, Vice Chair, Marketing Kingland
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
Ryan Amble Curries-ASSA ABLOY
Collin Davison Laird Law Firm
Vernon Johnson CL Tel
Michael Knorr Accord Architecture
Pam Pitkin MBT Bank
Kent Beatty CL Tel
Aaron Donaldson Lake Theatre
Denni Sue Erickson Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel
Kent Thoe MBT Bank
Ryan Amble Curries-ASSA ABLOY
In January, five new board members started their three-year terms on the Chamber Board of Directors
Collin Davison Laird Law Firm
Michael Knorr Accord Architecture
Pam Pitkin MBT Bank
Vernon Johnson CL Tel
Welcome to this Quarter’s New Members
Iowa Lot Striping 2819 4th St. SW Mason City, IA 50401 641-512-5357
Clear Lake Getaway 217 Main Ave Clear Lake, IA 50428 515-268-4646
Lillie Mae Chocolates 423 Main Ave Clear Lake, IA 50428 641-751-8581
Dazzling Diamonds Mason City, IA 50401 319-693-8393
Renewal by Andersen of Albert Lea 603 S 1st Ave Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-3435
Iowa Independent Film Festival Mason City, IA 50401 641-420-4754
Ali’s Beauty Mark 419 Main Ave, Suite C Clear Lake, IA 50428 641-201-2956
Creative Sound Forest City, IA 50436 641-590-6905
Corn To Compass-Island Sailing Adventures Ventura, IA 50482 754-282-1837
Bistro Nineteen 3331 19th St SW Mason City, IA 50401 641-424-8470
Kevan Paul’s Guide Service Clear Lake, IA 50428 641-529-2359
Color the Wind Earth Day TRI Clear Lake Thursdays on Main July 4th Celebration Harvest Festival Christmas by the Lake
1,200+ TIKTOK FOLLOWERS
6,300+ EMAIL CONTACTS
FREE MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
Chamber membership includes a variety of benefits designed to help grow your businesses, including exclusive marketing opportunities. Your investment helps advance our mission to be the champion for business success and quality of life, creating a thriving destination and driving community prosperity. Make sure to take advantage of the marketing opportunities included in your membership investment.
Quarterly Coffee
Network and stay connected with the latest happenings in our community. Have an announcement of interest to the membership? Ask to be added to the agenda.
Online Business Directory Listing
The Online Business Directory is searched over 211,000 time. Make sure your listing is optimized so your potential customer can find you.
Visitor Guide Feature for Restaurants, Retailers, and Attractions
Marketing Opportunities
Every year Clear Lake Tourism prints and distributes 40,000 visitor guides. Restaurants, retailers, and attractions are featured in their respective sections.
Calendar of Events
Holding an event? Put it on our Calendar of Events on www.clearlakeiowa.com. Our Calendar is searched over 324,000 times per year.
Visitor Center Business Card Display
Drop off a pile of business cards for display in our Visitor Center. We use business cards when making referrals.
Clear Lake, Iowa - SHOP • DINE • DISCOVER Facebook Group
Join our Facebook group with more than 5,300 members, share your social media posts, and expand your social medial reach.
New and Renewing Member Social Media Recognition
All new and renewing members are recognized as Chamber investors on our Facebook and Instagram pages
Ribbon Cutting, Grand Opening, or Groundbreaking Ceremony
Our First Mates will help you celebrate opening, remodeling, or relocating Pictures from the event will be featured on our Facebook page, in our quarterly newsletter, and in the Mirror Reporter
Digital Mailing List
If Direct Mail is of interest to you, ask for a spreadsheet of all Chamber members once a year
Questions? Contact Ashley Weiss, Membership Engagement Director at ashley@clearlakeiowa.com
