The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 82nd Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration on Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Surf Ballroom.

With a record-breaking 243 attendees, the event brought together business and community leaders to reflect on the Chamber’s accomplishments in 2024, share plans for 2025, and recognize award winners. The evening featured a social hour, the unveiling of the 2025 Visitor Guide, and an awards presentation.

The 2024 award recipients are as follows:

  • One Vision, Business of the Year
  • The Funky Zebras, Entrepreneur of the Year
  • NIACC Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, Spirit of North Iowa
  • North Iowa Cultural Center & Museum Board of Directors, Larry Luker Volunteer of the Year
  • Denise Etzel, Next Level Health and Wellness, First Mate of the Year

The evening also featured the introduction of the Chamber’s 2025 Board of Directors and officers:

  • Chair: Mark Dodd, One Vision
  • Past Chair: Sarah Nielsen, First Citizens Bank
  • Chair-Elect & Vice Chair of Tourism and Marketing: Robert Barber, Cabin Coffee
  • Vice Chair of Membership: Amanda Kasten, Kingland
  • Treasurer: Natalie Plagge, Clear Lake Bank & Trust
  • Board Members:
    • Krystal Thoe, Oakwood Care Center
    • Kristi Miles, Pritchard Lake Chevrolet
    • Liz LeFevre, First Gabrielson Agency
    • Austin Pehl, ATURA Architecture
    • Carrie Shannon, Hall Realty
    • Chris Fischer, Athletico
    • Candace Karsjens, NIACC Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
    • Brad Peterson, 173° Craft Distillery
    • Ryan Amble, Curries-ASSA ABLOY
    • Collin Davison, Laird Law Firm
    • Vernon Johnson, CL Tel
    • Michael Knorr, Accord Architecture
    • Pam Pitkin, MBT Bank

The Chamber also thanked outgoing board members: Kent Beatty, CL Tel, Aaron Donaldson, Lake Theatre, Denni Sue Erickson, Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Kent Thoe, MBT Bank, and Josh Thompson, Clear Lake Bank & Trust.

  • First Mate of the Year: Denise Etzel, Next Level Health and Wellness

  • Entrepreneur of the Year: The Funky Zebras Boutique

  • Larry Luker Volunteer of the Year: • North Iowa Cultural Center & Museum Board of Directors

  • Business of the Year: One Vision

  • Spirit of North Iowa: NIACC Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center

As the champion for business success and quality of life, the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to represent nearly 500 members and serve as Clear Lake’s tourism organization. The mission of the Chamber is to create a thriving destination and drive community prosperity.