2025 09 September Chamber Newsletter

Page 1


Fridays,Oct.3, Nov.7&Dec.5 |9-10AM

SocialMediaPowerHour

ClearLakeAthletics&WellnessCenter

Nearly 100 people gathered for the Quarterly Coffee on riday, Sept 19, at the Surf Ballroom & Museum in lear Lake

lear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce President and EO Stacy Doughan; Clear Lake Superintendent Ian Dye; Clear Lake Mayor Nelson Crabb; and North Iowa orridor Economic Development Corp President and EO Chad Schreck provided updates on their espective organizations

lus, new employees and new members were ntroduced, upcoming events and programs were hared 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 19, 2025!

Upcoming Chamber Events

Friday,Oct.17|10-11AM

JoinMarketing&CommunicationsSpecialist MaddieAnderlyandTourismDirectorLibbey Hohnforthisopportunitytotakeyoursocial mediagametothenextlevelandunlocknew opportunitiesforyourbusiness!Limitedspots available,soRSVPto libbey@clearlakeiowacom

Saturday,Oct.4|9AM Champagne5K DowntownClearLake KickoffHarvestFestivalwiththefun Champagne5Kwalk/runfeaturingbubbly SignupfortheChampagne5Khere!

Saturday,Oct.4|9AM-4PM HarvestFestival DowntownClearLake Enjoywineandbeersamples,shopping, vendorsandahugeoutdoorfarmersmarket Don’tforgetaboutthehomemadesalsa contest,grapestompcompetition,food trucks,livemusic,hayridesandmore!

Fridays,Oct.10,Nov.14andDec.12|10-11

AM

MonthlySeniorChamberCoffee ClearLakeAthletics&WellnessCenter,115N 20thSt

Membership101 Chamber,306MainAve Learnhowtomaximizeyourmemberbenefits, optimizeyourbusinessdirectorylisting,and more RSVPtostacy@clearlakeiowacom

Tuesday,Oct.21|4:30-6PM BusinessAfterHours BankIowa,1919US Highway18,ClearLake Enjoynetworking,refreshmentsandseasonal fun!

Friday,Oct.24|8:30-10AM CorridorConnect

ClearLakeAthletics&WellnessCenter,115N 20thSt

JoinusforamorningeventforNorthIowa businessleaders Thissessionwillfocuson housingprogressbeingmadeinClearLake andMasonCity RSVPto manderly@northiowacorridorcom

Friday,Oct.24|11:30AM-1PM RisingTides:LakeLeadershipAlumni ProgramLaunch PlainOl’Pumpkins,4333260 St,ClearLake th JoinusLakeLeadershipalumnifor networking,lunch,aleadershipmessage,and atour Cost:$20 RegisterbyOct 20here

Tuesday,Nov.18|4:30-6PM BusinessAfterHours Livonia’sCoffeeBar,408MainAve

Saturday,Nov.29

SmallBusinessSaturday ThroughoutClearLake Pleasejoinusinsupportingourlocal businessesbyshoppingattheirlocations throughouttheClearLakeArea

Saturday,Dec.6

ChristmasbytheLake DowntownClearLake Kickofftheholidayseasonwiththisfamilyfriendlyeventfeaturinghorse-drawn carriagerides,apettingzoo,avisitwith Santaandmoreaswellasalightedparade andfireworksoverthefrozenlake

Tuesday,Dec.16|4:30-6PM BusinessAfterHours HallRealty,203MainAve,ClearLake

Friday,Dec.19|7:30-9AM QuarterlyCoffee SurfBallroom,460NorthShoreDr Newhire,promotion,award,recognition, eventorprogramyou’dliketoshare?Email ashley@clearlakeiowacomtogetonthe agenda

Not Fade Away: The Immersive Surf

Ballroom Experience

The Surf Ballroom & Museum invites visitors to experience “Not Fade Away: The Immersive Surf Ballroom Experience,” a first-of-its-kind, permanent installation honoring the legacy of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J P “The Big Bopper” Richardson

The Nightmare Haunted Hike Returns

Looking for the best haunted attraction in North Iowa this Halloween? The Nightmare Haunted Hike is back with brand-new sets, massive props, and terrifying scares around every corner

Fall Fun at Plain Ol’ Pumpkins

If you’re looking for a family-friendly fall getaway, this pumpkin patch and more in Clear Lake, Iowa, is the perfect spot Open weekends from Sept 27 through Oct 26, 2025

Get Weiss: Making the Most of Your Chamber Benefits

Let’s take a moment to think about the content you consume, whether it’s email newsletters, social media content, short video segments, or a combination of all three

What do you enjoy most about it? What lures you in?

What encourages you to engage with it rather than scroll?

Is it a product, a service, a brand, a message, or a feeling?

Now, think about your own business or organization, is there a way you can apply some of those same elements a catchy song, a carefully curated photo album, an authentic look behind-the-scenes, a before-and-after, a success story, a silly video to engage with your customers or future clients?

Yes, but only if you’re willing to try

For nearly a decade, I worked as a newspaper reporter in southern Minnesota and North Iowa, writing articles subscribers both loyal and new cared about and wanted to read.

One of the primary areas I covered was local government, and regardless of size or community, most of those stories

boiled down to tax dollars

I know, I know, not the most fascinating topic, BUT people care about how their money is spent It’s that simple

And the only way you’re going to engage with your customers is to understand what they care about and what they enjoy about your offerings, by asking or skimming reviews, and use that as a starting point for content to promote your business or organization among your loyal following and future patrons It, too, is that simple

If you’re sitting here reading this thinking “Ashley, this sounds like good advice, but I don’t have the time to be a content creator,” I have great news, you don’t have to

The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce recently launched a Content Creator Program that essentially connects businesses and organizations to individuals who want to and are able to create content (See page 10 for more details)

We’re excited to see how this program benefits our Chamber members and our local creatives

As always, if you have questions about how to maximize your member benefits, please don’t hesitate to reach out at 641-357-2159 or ashley@clearlakeiowacom

Preparation has started on the 2026 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. 4

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

Member Spotlight: Gyro Place

When brothers Jesus and Raul Juarez opened Gyro Place in downtown Clear Lake, they not only brought with them delicious flavors inspired by their family but also a fresh energy and enthusiasm for being part of the community

Since opening their doors at 300 Main Avenue, they have quickly become strong supporters of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, always looking for ways to get involved whether it’s participating in community events, brainstorming new ideas, or even running a roundup campaign at their restaurant to help raise funds for our Building a Bright Future capital campaign.

Their menu of gyros, street tacos, loaded fries, and other favorites has been a hit with locals and visitors alike, but it’s their passion for building connections and creating opportunities that truly sets them apart.

We caught up with Jesus to learn more about their journey, their vision for Gyro Place, and what they love most about being part of Clear Lake

Tell us a little about your business and what you do.

Gyro Place is a family-owned restaurant serving fresh Mediterranean and Mexican-inspired food in Clear Lake and Mason City. We focus on gre flavors, quick service, and treating every guest li family

What inspired you to start Gyro Place?

Our family started with a small food truck call Amigos, then ran the Gyro Hut for five years. 2020, during the pandemic, we launched Gy Place inspired by our community’s support a our love for serving people.

What’s one thing people might not know abo your business?

Almost everything on our menu is made fro scratch with recipes passed down in our fam We also love creating fun new specials like cevic cups and Red Bull infusions.

How long have you been a Chamber memb and why did you join?

We’ve been members since 2020 We join because we wanted to connect with other businesses, get involved in local events, and give back to the community that supports us

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received (or would give)?

What do you love most about being part of the Clear Lake community?

The people Clear Lake is full of energy, hospitality, and support for small businesses. We love being part of its traditions and events.

How has Chamber membership benefited you or your business?

It’s helped us grow by giving us visibility, connections, and opportunities to get involved in things like Thursdays on Main. It’s also introduced us to so many amazing people

Stay consistent, take care of your team, and always put quality first. If you treat your customers and employees like family, success follows naturally

Just for fun what’s your favorite Clear Lake spot or activity outside of work?

Spending time at the lake with family whether it’s relaxing at City Park, enjoying the water, or just walking downtown

Our Member Spotlight showcases the people and businesses that make Clear Lake thrive Each quarter, we’ll feature one Chamber member to share their story, insights, and community connections in a quick Q-and-A

Watchdog Inspections LLC | Friday, June 27

| Wednesday, Aug. 13

| Wednesday, Aug. 20

Still Waters Day & Scalp Spa | Tuesday, July 1 The Cleaner
Agape Church

Iceberg Coaching | Friday, Aug. 22

Glow | Thursday, Sept. 25

Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center | Sunday, Sept. 7

Educational Opportunities

Financial Essentials: Entrepreneurship Essentials Series

Thursday, Oct. 30 | 5:30 PM, Online via Zoom

The NIACC Pappajohn Center and SBDC proudly present the third installment of their Financial Essentials series, which 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

Marketing Essentials: Entrepreneurship Essentials Series

Thursday, Nov. 6 | 5:30 PM, Online 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.

Business Transition Planning Workshop

Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 1 PM, Online via Zoom

When you're ready to retire, will your business legacy be preserved? Fut with a succession plan If you're a business owner thinking of what the bring, register now for the Business Transition Planning Wo need to ensure your business's future at this free online event, Brokers and BrownWinick Law Firm To register, click here

Proudly presented by:

Lakeshore

News + Updates

Love of Country, Love of Community: 130K celebrate July 4th in Clear Lake

More than 130,000 people visited Clea during the five-day July 4th Celebration th to enjoy carnival rides, food and fun

The event opened on Wednesday, July 2 the Evans United Shows carnival Live filled the stage in City Park each night, inc The Schmidt Brothers (sponsored by Bank M80s – The MTV Experience 80s Dance with special guests Turn Me Loose & Big Boom (sponsored by Bank Iowa), and Arch Allies (Clear Lake Bank & Trust, Curries/ASSA ABLOY and Joshua Homes). The celebration also featured a lakeside vendor market, Bingo, and Family Feud Game Show, presented by CL Tel and Woodford Lumber & Home.

More than 80 entries participated in the July 4th parade, which had a “Love of Country, Love of Community” theme, that was attended by more than 19,000 people Mayor Nelson Crabb was recognized as this year’s Parade Grand Marshal and honored for his years of service and unwavering dedication to Clear Lake

The winners of this year’s parade, judged by City Administrator Steve Diers, Superintendent Ian Dye, and Chamber Board Member Krystal Thoe from Oakwood Care Center, were: First Place, Surf Ballroom & Museum; Second Place, Lake Th d hi d l l

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 1-6, 2026, for next year’s America 250 celebration!

Chamber Golf FUNdraiser trophy

Thirty teams participated in the Chamber’s annual Golf FUNdraiser on Friday, July 18, 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 Subway and a social hour open to all Chamber members with food provided by Gyro Place and T’s Sweets.

Schoneman Realtors took home this year’s trophy

The First Mates’ “What the Duck?!” game at Hole 1 was a huge success thanks to the golfers who participated and 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, Midland Concrete Products, MBT Bank, Pritchard Companies, CL Tel, Farmers State Bank, Clear Lake Bank & Trust, CLB&T Insurance and Financial Services, ATURA Architecture, Bergland + Cram, and Reagan Outdoor Advertising, for making this event a success

Clear Lake earns Thriving Co

Clear Lake was well represented at the HousingIowa Conference in September

Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Stacy Doughan and North Iowa Corridor President and CEO Chad Schreck shared Clear Lake’s housing story during the Thriving Communities Showcase

Clear Lake is one of five Iowa communities to receive the Thriving Communities designation this year from the Iowa Finance Authority and Iowa Economic Development Authority, signaling strong readiness for housing development

The honor followed a competitive process with 22 applicants statewide Clear Lake’s six-person team representing city, business, and nonprofit leaders presented the community’s vision and partnerships during final interviews

“This designation gives Clear Lake a powerful advantage in attracting high-quality housing development,” Schreck said. “We have shovelready sites, strong local support, and now bonus points for developers applying for state and federal housing incentives. That makes Clear Lake one of the most competitive communities in Iowa for housing projects”

While the program doesn’t provide funding directly, it boosts developer applications for workforce, market-rate, and affordable housing projects. City leaders say that’s vital to addressing workforce needs, serving an aging population, and supporting inclusion through partners like One Vision.

“We know housing is economic development,” said Steve Diers, Clear Lake City Administrator. “This designation helps us ensure that Clear Lake remains a community where people of all ages,

Thursd

incomes, and abilities can live and thrive.”

With demand growing and sites available, Clear Lake is poised to partner with developers to bring new housing options to the community To learn more about the Iowa Thriving Communities program, click here.

M i draws record-breaking crowds

Despite Mother Nature throwing a few weather challenges our way, Thursdays on Main still saw record-breaking crowds of more than 8,000 people to downtown Clear Lake to enjoy live music, food and retail vendors and fun for the whole family

Thank you to those who participated in the dunk tank fundraiser Together we raised enough to provide shoes and school supplies for more than 70 Clear Lake families in need

The 10-week event kicked off in June 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

Thank you to the following sponsors for making the 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, 173° Craft Distiller, Midland Concrete, Larson’s Mercantile, Hall Realty, Charlie Brown Preschool & Child Care, Cookies etc , Community Health Center of Mason City, Bergland + Cram, Farmers State Bank, MBT Bank, and Veenstra & Kimm.

Clear Lake selected for Downtown Assessment

Clear Lake was recently chosen to participate in a Downtown Assessment through the Iowa Downtown Resource Center, a division of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)

A team from the Resource Center visited Clear Lake Sept 9–11 to tour the community, conduct interviews, and gather input on ways to strengthen and enhance the downtown district. Ahead of their visit, about 250 people completed a community survey, and nearly 100 residents and stakeholders participated in focus group discussions during the two-day assessment.

The team shared initial findings highlighting three key themes: parking and accessibility, opportunities to expand the downtown footprint, and the importance of protecting the area’s history and character

A full report with detailed recommendations and information on grant opportunities will be delivered to the city in the next four to six weeks. The finding will help guide future improvements to ensure Clear Lake’s downtown remains vibrant and welcoming.

Chamber members celebrate Clear Lake teache

More than 240 Clear Lake Community School District teachers and staff were treated to a large, hot breakfast on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 19, during this year’s Educators Appreciation Breakfast

About 30 event 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 and Cabin Coffee Company, followed by a brief program.

A special congratulations to the Clear Lake Earth Day Committee for being recognized as the 2025 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, Bank Iowa, CENT Credit Union, Clear Lake Bank & Trust, CL Tel, Clear Lake Family Dentistry, Community Health Center of Mason City, Courtesy Corporation McDonald’s, Curries/ASSA ABLOY, Farmers State Bank, First Citizens Bank, First Gabrielson Agency, Jen Putnam Dvorak at Hall Realty, Kingland, Lake Dental Associates, Lake Pin & Play, MBT Bank, Mort’s Water Company, NIACC Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, NTI, Ltd, Oakwood Care Center, Paws at the Lake, Pritchard Companies, Scooter’s Coffee, Starboard Market, Surf Ballroom & Museum, United Beverage and the Crafts United Vendor Group, including Crafts United, Loving Creations, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Vonderohe Bees and Kitcheneeze by Lynne.

Lake Leadership Class of 2026 kicks off with

City & County History Day

The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce has launched its Lake Leadership Class of 2026, featuring 24 participants from 22 local businesses and organizations

The program kicked off with City and County History Day, including tours of the Historic Park Inn, Kinney Pioneer Museum, Surf Ballroom & Museum, and Music Experience Center, plus a lively lesson from local “history sisters” Cindy Richardson and Beth Ann Schumacher.

Lake Leadership is the flagship educational program of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce connecting community-minded people to the heart of Clear Lake

Lake Leadership connects community-minded individuals to the heart of Clear Lake, educating participants on the inner workings of local businesses, organizations, and government institutions. Running September through May, Lake Leadership gives participants a behind-thescenes look at Clear Lake through sessions on economic development, education, health and recreation, agriculture, government, and more. This year’s class will also attend North Iowa Day on the Hill at the State Capitol

Rising Tides: Lake Leadership Alumni Program launches Oct. 24

The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to launch the Rising Tides: Lake Leadership Alumni Program! This new initiative is designed to bring together graduates of our flagship leadership program, offering opportunities to stay connected, learn, and continue making an impact in our community

The first event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 pm on Friday, Oct 24, at Plain Ol’ Pumpkins in Clear Lake It costs $20 per person, which includes lunch.

Join us for an afternoon of networking, leadership inspiration, and behind-the-scenes learning

The program features a boxed lunch from Cabin Coffee; a leadership message called, "From Busy to Balanced, Leading Without Losing Yourself" with Dan Schuknecht, owner of Iceberg Coaching and Lake Leadership Alumni Committee member; and a tour of Plain Ol' Pumpkins.

This is the first of what we hope will be quarterly alumni programs featuring networking, education, and unique experiences at area businesses and organizations

Register online by Monday, Oct 20 here We can’t wait to welcome you back, reconnect, and continue building leadership momentum together!

Have a food allergy or dietary restriction? Please contact Ashley Weiss at ashley@clearlakeiowa.com or 641-357-2159 after you register

If you’re unable to attend this Lake Leadership Alumni Program, don’t fret The Alumni Committee has some other fun ideas in the works.

Want to connect with other Lake Leadership Alumni, but aren’t sure where to start? We’ve created a Facebook group called Rising Tides: Lake Leadership Alumni and we’d love to see it used as a place for our graduates to connect, or in some cases reconnect, with each other. Have an idea for an alumni gathering, feel free to reach out

Join the Chamber’s Content Creator Program

The Clear Lake Chamber & Tourism is excited to announce its Content Creator Program, connecting talented local creators with Chamber member businesses and attractions in the Clear Lake area This program is designed to showcase what makes Clear Lake a dynamic and thriving destination while helping local businesses share their stories online

Who Can Join?

This program is open to all local content creators, whether you’re seasoned or just starting out You don’t need a huge following what matters most is your creativity, authenticity, and passion for Clear Lake Participants will have opportunities to collaborate with local businesses, attend events, and produce content that highlights Clear Lake’s dining, shopping, attractions, and outdoor adventures.

How It Benefits Businesses

Many local businesses tell us that managing social media and creating content can be challenging This program provides a direct connection to creators who can help showcase Chamber member businesses authentically online Whether you want to share your events, products, experiences, or seasonal offerings, this partnership makes it easier to reach a wider audience and create engaging content

How Clear Lake Chamber Member Businesses Can Partner with Content Creators

Businesses participating in the program have several ways to collaborate with local creators to highlight their products, services, or experiences

Some common partnership options include:

Gift cards or vouchers – Offer creators a taste of your business while encouraging their audience to visit

Merchandise or products – Let creators showcase your offerings in authentic and engaging ways

Admission or experience passes – Invite creators to experience your events, attractions, or activities firsthand

Paid collaborations – Compensate creators for professional content that promotes your business

Other creative collaborations

All partnerships are flexible, and creators and businesses will agree on terms together, ensuring a mutually beneficial collaboration

The Content Creator Program is designed to fit your business goals and social media experience, whether you’re new to online marketing or looking to expand your digital presence.

What Creators Will Gain

Opportunities to collaborate with Clear Lake businesses and attractions

Access to events and experiences to inspire content

Exposure across local social channels and potential partnerships

A chance to help tell the story of one of North Iowa’s most vibrant communities

Apply Today

Whether you’re a content creator ready to showcase Clear Lake or a business looking to connect with local creators, you can apply online today:

Become a Clear Lake Creator Partner with Creators

This program is a year-round opportunity to highlight Clear Lake’s attractions, events, and experiences, and it’s perfect for anyone looking to collaborate locally and amplify the community’s stories online

If you have questions, reach out to Libbey Hohn, Director of Tourism, libbey@clearlakeiowacom

New face joins First Mates

Lisa Asbe, retail branch manager at Clear Lake Bank & Trust, is the newest member of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce First Mates.

The First Mates, or ambassadors, promote the Chamber’s 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 events and delivering calendars.

Please make sure to give Lisa a warm welcome when you see her out and about representing the Chamber.

New Welcome Center & Chamber takes shape

Progress is being made on our future Chamber and Welcome Center at 205 Main Ave. and we’re excited for the opportunities this building will provide for the community

A big thank you to everyone who has supported this once-in-a-lifetime project that will serve Clear Lake for generations to come

The project is expected to be complete by May 2026

During construction, you can find us one block east at 306 Main Ave in Clear Lake We also appreciate those who have reached out with questions.

Here are a couple of questions we’ve answered recently:

1. What variances were required?

None. The building is fully compliant with Clear Lake’s Central Business District zoning, which, much like the 300 and 400 blocks of Main, allows commercial buildings to extend to the sidewalk’s edge

2. Why isn’t it set back?

The building sits on the same footprint as our previous space Retaining the existing basement, which already extended to the sidewalk, was essential for event storage

Our new space will help us:

Enhance the Visitor Experience

A larger, more welcoming space allows us to greet multiple groups at once, share Clear Lake’s story, and connect travelers with local businesses and attractions

Strengthen Event Support

With improved storage and workspace, our team can better execute the community events people love, from the 4th of July Celebration to Thursdays on Main, right outside our front door

Serve the Business Community

The new center offers professional space for meetings, networking, and Chamber programs, creating more opportunities for businesses to connect and grow

Looking Ahead

Once the windows are installed and the brickwork is complete, the building will better reflect downtown’s character. We know it’s a big change and it’s one that’s been discussed for decades After much planning, the Chamber Board determined this location and design best supports the work we do and the events we host right outside our front door

We can’t wait to open the doors and share this new space with you

Learn more about the project, view floor plans or donate at wwwclearlakeiowacom/future

Board of Directors 2025

Mark Dodd, Board Chair 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, Membership Kingland

Chris Fischer Athletico Physical Therapy

Candi Karsjens NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center

Liz LeFevre First Gabrielson Agency

Kristi Miles Pritchard’s Lake Chevrolet

Austin Pehl ATURA Architecture

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

Welcome to this Quarter’s New Members

The Cleaner, Christa Butner Mason City, IA 50401 641-355-3093

The Palms Rooftop Cabana 468 North Shore Dr Clear Lake, IA 50428 641-357-6151

Clear Lake Laser Wash 1010 N 20th St Clear Lake, IA 50428

FloAesthetics

604 Buddy Holly Place Suite 110 Clear Lake, IA 50428 641-430-1205

Knudson Storage 1552 270th St Ventura, IA 50482 515-657-7746

Stacy Doughan President/CEO stacy@clearlakeiowacom

Ribbon Cuttings, Groundbreakings, Business After Hours, Membership, Sponsorships, Local Marketing

Ashley Weiss Membership Engagement Director ashley@clearlakeiowacom

John and Karen Gookin Clear Lake, IA 50428

The Stone House on Crane Street 15300 Crane St. Clear Lake, IA 50428 515-552-2580

Boathouse Villa LLC 204 W. Ventura St. Ventura, IA 50482 712-790-7307

Danielle Ollenburg Clear Lake, IA 50428

Jenny Fasbender Administrative and Events Specialist jennifer@clearlakeiowacom Vendor Applications, Volunteer Opportuntes and General Billing Questions? We’re here to help!

New Member Applications, Online Busness Drectory Listing Community Event or Job Postngs, Member Benefits and Newsletter

Libbey Hohn, IOM Tourism Director libbey@clearlakeiowacom

Destination Cear Lake Visitor Guide and clearlakeiowacom, Vistor Center, Meetings and Conventions Assistance and Tourism Marketing

Trish Fundermann Events Director trish@clearlakeiowacom

E-Biz Ads, Bulk Mailings, Event Sponsorships, Entertainment Bookings

Maddie Anderly Marketing Specialist manderly@northiowacorridor com

Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok Social Media Marketing, North Iowa Corrdor EDC Marketing and Newsletter

BUILDING A BRIGHT FUTURE

BoardofDirectors

Cabin Coffee Company

Pro Wall

Advocate

Bergland + Cram

Bergvig Family

Bertha Stebens Charitable Fund

Dr. Robert Borgman

Tony & Amy Brownlee

Clear Lake Rotary Club

City of Ventura

Clear Lake Chamber Team

Heartland Asphalt,

George & Jayne Jessen

Hogan – Hansen, PC

Alice Hanley

Larson’s Mercantile

Pla-ground Family Farms

Mark & Deb Tesar

Charles J Walker

Partner

$2,500-4,999

Collin & Kristin Davison

Tom Drew, Drew Law Firm

Potter & Brandt, PLC

Supporter $1,000-2,499

ABCM Corporation

Absolute Waste Removal

Branded by American

Pam & Tim Coffey In Honor of Nelson Crabb

Brad & Renee Davis

Ron & Kathy Fiscus

Karen & John Gookin

The Hawley Family

In Memory of Bob and Alice Hawley

Stuart & Julie Ottrogge

Overhead Door Co of Mason City

Mary Kay & Randy Pearce

Robert & Maryanne Rennebohn

Lu Ann Schell Revocable Trust

Bennett Smith

TQ Technologies

Roger & Lee Walston

Pat & Joe Weigel

Jon&TalithaAllen

Friend (Up to $999)

KristinAvery

Mark&JillBale

Tom&SueBerger

Daniel&PamelaBollinger

Glenn&RosemaryBrady

JaneBroghammer

Ken&CyndiChizek

CLASS CarCub

Matt&JodyClemens

InMemoryofDonClemens

Mark&BeckeDorenbush

Doug&DawnDoughan

Gus&JanetErickson

InMemoryofDonHauge

TroyceFisher&DebGroath

Dennis&TeresaFitzgerald

Glen’sTire

GaryHarris

DeanHanson&JoniFrederick

Jerry&LauraHeitland

John&KathyHendricks

DoyceHiscocks

I-35Auctions

IceburgCoaching

ClearLakeJaycees

InMemoryof

Donald&CarolMarkham

JimJackson

RicJacobs

JoniJacobs

Bill&LindaJarnagin

James&NancyKelsey

Lawrence“Bud”King

InMemoryofKayKing

Joe & Kristi Wick

John&BethKjeldgaard

InMemoryofBillOtterman

RobertKoesterInHonorof JohnHennAuctionService

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

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

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