Clear Lake Chamber and Welcome Center Groundbreaking

The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated National Travel & Tourism Week with a major milestone: the official groundbreaking of our future Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center.

Mayor Nelson Crabb proclaimed it National Travel & Tourism Week in Clear Lake, and we marked the occasion with a community celebration that brought together board members, donors, city and county leaders, and supporters. The event honored the future of tourism, business, and community life in Clear Lake.

Why We’re Expanding

As one of the top travel destinations in the Midwest, Clear Lake continues to grow. With nearly 500 Chamber members, more than a million annual visitors, and 17 major events each year, our organization needs space that matches the scale of our service.

Here’s why this expansion is both timely and essential:

A Welcoming Visitor Center

Our current center can only hold a few guests at a time. The new facility will reflect the charm of Clear Lake and provide an open, inviting space that makes a strong first impression.

State-of-the-Art Meeting Space

The new building will include a modern meeting room equipped with technology to support business training, collaboration, and community meetings.

A Fresh, Visible Presence

The new structure will reflect the vibrancy of Clear Lake and provide greater visibility and representation for our local businesses.

Room to Grow

Storage limitations and makeshift workspaces have become our norm. This project addresses those constraints, giving our team the tools and space to do more.

Improved Event Operations

A dedicated event space and on-site storage will allow us to elevate our current events and create room for new opportunities.

Designed for Accessibility

The new building will include accessible entrances, wider hallways, an elevator, and modern restrooms—ensuring everyone can enjoy the space.

This project will nearly triple our current footprint, but the goal goes far beyond square footage. It’s about investing in Clear Lake’s economic future and giving our community and visitors a home base that reflects our values and vision.

How You Can Help

While we’ve made great progress, fundraising efforts continue. Every contribution—big or small—brings us closer to realizing a space that supports tourism, business growth, and community connection.

Learn more about the project and donate here:
clearlakeiowa.com/future