Dan Nichols, Board Chair
Dear Fellow Clear Laker,
When Iowa closed down in March, the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce jumped into action. Within one week, the Chamber launched the Buy in Clear Lake gift certificate campaign. With the help of generous sponsors, discounted gift certificates were made available for purchase to more than 60 local businesses. The initiative resulted in 2,239 gift cards sold, immediately pumping $67,170 directly into local businesses when they needed it most.
The Chamber also played a critical role in keeping our community informed. The Dine in Clear Lake and Shop in Clear Lake guides on clearlakeiowa.com became the trusted source for up-to-date changes regarding stores and restaurants. The Chamber also provided area businesses information on available local, state, and federal assistance programs.
The mass gathering restrictions were and continue to be the hardest blow to the Chamber. Clear Lake is known for events and the Chamber plays a large role in making that possible, whether running events or promoting others’ events. Even with the restrictions, the Chamber team thought outside of the box to provide opportunities like Thursdays Online, Food Truck Friday, and the Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard Family Fun Packs, just to name a few.
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. The 4th of July Celebration is typically the Chamber’s largest fundraiser between the carnival and BINGO proceeds. Making the difficult decision to cancel left a significant gap in their 2020 budget.
The Chamber is a non-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, and as Board Chair I’m asking for your support. The Chamber team has been ALL IN 110% for Clear Lake year after year. So, let’s show them our support and also ensure beloved Clear Lake events like Clear Lake Earth Day, Thursdays on Main, 4th of July Celebration, Harvest Festival, and Christmas by the Lake can return when the pandemic subsides.
Be 110% ALL IN with a $110 donation or another amount. Large or small, every contribution adds up to make a tremendous difference. You are helping your community while also maintaining the great tradition of Clear Lake’s events. Your generosity is very much appreciated. Thank you for your continued support. Together, let’s be All in Clear Lake. Click here to donate now!
Sincerely,
Dan Nichols, Chair
Clear Lake Are Chamber of Commerce