BY: RACHEL WUMKES
What an amazing week at the Lake! Granted, yes, the bitter cold temperatures and snow are a bit of a downer, but as time continues to tick on, each day that passes is one step closer to Spring!
Hallelujah!
We had a wild week at the Chamber. On Tuesday, we hosted the annual meeting at the newly recognized Historical Landmark, the Surf Ballroom. With the lack of concerts at the Surf this past year, it was very soothing to my soul just to be inside the building.
Something about all that history… it really gets me choked up!
And then, as the guests began to arrive, it happened. The Mockingbirds took the stage and we enjoyed almost an hour of live music.
Live. Music.
Again… goosebumps.
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and that saying definitely rings true. I knew I had missed live music but MY GOODNESS I never realized how much I need it in my life. And as I looked around, while most people were seated at their table enjoying the delicious food from K&B Emporium, a few people were scattered about. While a mask covered their mouth and nose, you could see it in their eyes. It was that look of serenity, contentment.
Pure joy.
As the Mockingbirds wrapped up their set for the day, the meeting began. Dan Nichols started with a few words about the trials and tribulations of 2020 before he handed the reins over to Natalie Plagge, who will serve as the Board Chair for the next year.
We then transitioned to the awards portion of the meeting, one that is often met with high anticipation. This year, we are happy to have awarded the following accolades to these deserving people:
First Mate of the Year – Denni Sue Erickson
North IA Service Award – Linda Upmeyer
Education Partner of the Year – CL Tel
Larry Luker Volunteer of the Year – Carrie Tysdahl
Business of the Year – Fareway
These individuals and businesses are the epitome of what it means to live in this wonderful community. Their continued support of the Chamber, whether it’s being the first to get in line to help at an event, or their tireless commitment to ensuring they partner and sponsor our many activities, is second to none.
I simply cannot stress enough what the support of these folks has meant this year as we seemed to battle obstacle after obstacle, jumping through hoops and making hard decisions. It was a true test of our community spirit as a whole, and I think the residents of Clear Lake have passed with flying colors.
Hopefully, in the years to come, it’s something we will never have to deal with again.
Fingers crossed, right?
To round out the meeting, the Chamber staff gave our President and CEO, Stacy Doughan, an award for her incredible leadership through the pandemic. In a time of such uncertainty and unease for everyone, Stacy stood firm in her commitment to Clear Lake, giving 110% day in and day out. She was truly “All-In” for Clear Lake.
As the meeting came to a close, we all took a deep breath (through our masks, of course), thankful to host our first event of the new year. While many opted for in-person attendance, we were pleased to offer a curbside lunch pick-up for those who wanted to watch via Zoom. It’s the new, hybrid way of doing things, but it works, and we are thankful for everyone who was able to attend.
All in all, it was a fabulous event for the Chamber, and for our community. We left the Surf with a small sliver of hope for the future. For events. For growth. For navigating our way to make things happen for Clear Lake.
Feel free to watch the full meeting here.