Chamber appeals for funds to fill budget gap

by Marianne Gasaway

This year, more than ever, the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce has been an advocate for its member businesses and the community as a whole.  Now, it’s time to support the supporters.

"The Chamber team rallied Clear Lake around our small businesses when the pandemic hit, and we need to rally around them now. - Diana Symonds, past-chair"

The Chamber of Commerce is kicking off a capital campaign this week in an effort to continue to fund its operations.

“The Chamber not only relies on events to draw tourists to Clear Lake, but they also rely on events to produce a significant portion of their annual operating budget,” explained Chamber Board President Dan Nichols. Cancellation of signature events, such as the five-day Fourth of July celebration, has had a significant impact.

According to Executive Director Stacy Doughan, cancellation of the Fourth of July celebration resulted in a loss of $43,000 in carnival and Bingo proceeds for the Chamber.  The organization’s second largest event, Harvest Festival, will likely happen in some fashion, but it will not be the large-scale draw it usually is.

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“We have done our best to reduce expenses, including not replacing a staff member who moved, but obviously we have a big funding gap,” said Doughan.

“All In Clear Lake” asks Chamber members and the community to be all in 110 percent.

Chamber members are asked to consider donating an additional 10 percent to the Chamber over their current membership dues; members of the community are asked to contribute any amount.

The campaign runs through Sept. 11, 2020.  The goal is to raise $20,000.

“The Chamber is one of the biggest cheerleaders and advocates for Clear Lake businesses and is a great asset for North Iowa.  This is an opportunity for North Iowans to help support an organization that is vital to the community,” said Natalie Plagge, Chamber Board President-Elect.  “I would encourage not only Chamber members, but also community members to consider donating to the capital campaign so we can all continue to enjoy these signature events, such as the Fourth of July celebration and Thursdays on Main, for many years to come.”

“The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce provides so much value to this community.  They are also the go-to for information on what’s happening around town, as well as a source of support to area small businesses.  The Chamber team rallied Clear Lake around our small businesses when the pandemic hit, and we need to rally around them now to ensure the future of this important non-profit organization,” added Past President Diana Symonds.

Symonds was referring to a “Buy In Clear Lake” program organized by the Chamber in March when COVID-19 forced local restaurants, bars and other businesses to shut down.  With the help of sponsors, discounted gift certificates were sold to local establishments, resulting in more than $67,000 being infused into the local economy.

The Chamber team also thought outside the box to provide opportunities like Thursdays Online and Food Truck Friday in these unusual times, added Nichols.

“The Chamber team has been all in 110 percent for Clear Lake, so let’s show them our support.”

A Guest Editorial penned by Chamber of Commerce Board President Dan Nichols appears on page 4 in this edition.

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