Clear Lake Area Chamber
Libbey Hohn, Director of Sales with Best Western Holiday Lodge was named as the Larry Luker Volunteer of the Year at the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. Hohn was recognized for her service and dedication to the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, for her efforts having been a member of the First Mates Committee for five years, chairing the group for the last year and has volunteered countless hours for various Chamber Events including July 4th, Harvest Festival, and Taste of Clear Lake. In addition, she has helped man the Tourism Booth at the Eastern Iowa and Des Moines Sport Shows, participates in membership plaque presentations/ribbon cuttings and other public appearances. A Charter Member of the Clear Lake Lions Pride Club since 2004, she has served as an officer on the Board of Directors since then and is the current president, volunteering at their annual pancake breakfast, 4th of July Parade, Harvest Festival booth, and various other fundraising events. She also volunteers for Give the Kids the World Charity, and volunteers to read at IRIS (Iowa Radio Reading Information Service) for the visually impaired.
Chamber Member of the Year was presented to Gene Madson, Manager of Wilcox Furniture. Madson was recognized for being a longtime Chamber member, and for his long list of accomplishments and outstanding volunteer efforts. Though one of his proudest personal accomplishments was impressing his golf buddies by getting a hole in one, he is also well known for his involvement throughout the community for the following reasons: being named the Chamber’s “Volunteer of the Year” in 1996, being named Clear Lake Rotary’s “Citizen of the Year” in 1993, being the person responsible for planting and maintaining the Main Avenue and Lakeview Drive flower beds, as well as, the Gazebo on the grounds of All Vets, he has won the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame for Cerro Gordo County, received the “Giving Your Best Award” from KIMT, is the person who started and coordinated the annual Christmas decorating of the light poles with garland and lights in downtown Clear Lake, has chaired the Christmas by the Lake Committee for more than 13 years, he has been the Chairperson for the Retail Committee for numerous years, coordinates the Main Avenue flag program, has raised all the money to purchase and maintain the Christmas decorations along Main Avenue and the seawall and oversees the set up and tear down of these each year. He also decorates three large pine trees in City Park every year for the Christmas season, and decorates and maintains lights on trees at the Main Avenue corner park. Most recently he secured, through donations, all of the supplies and workers to construct a brand new Santa House, including countless hours of his own time (and Bobbi’s) spent pounding, sawing, painting, varnishing and shingling one of Clear Lake’s newest attractions. Madson is always there to lend a hand – in fact, just this week he spent part of an afternoon at the Chamber office, helping the staff carry in 41,000 Visitor Guides and then generously treated them to dinner.
Industry of the Year was presented to Dean Snyder Construction Company. Vickie Snyder, Director of Health Care Division, accepted the award on behalf of the company. The company was recognized for being a community-minded industry who has continually supported area events and attractions with many generous sponsorships over the years. Their community pride also shines through as staff and management represent their company by volunteering to serve on numerous boards and committees. A recent addition to their Highway 18 facility is a perfect example of their continually exceptional line of design and construction services.
Cookies, Etc. was presented the Retailer of the Year Award. Carolyn Pope, Manager accepted the award for their substantial investment in the community by making Clear Lake home to their third store location. Located in one of the most newly established buildings in downtown, this business has generously made several overwhelming product donations at a number of Chamber sponsored events including Harvest Festival, Christmas by the Lake and more. They have been heavily involved in Chamber Retail promotions.
Hilltop Motel owners Jay and Terri Latimer were recognized as Service Business of the Year. The Latimer’s received the award for re-establishing the charm of the 21 room hotel by recently giving it a significant renovation. They have also become an active part of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce through committee involvement and membership activities. Their hospitality is rewarded with countless return clientele coming for week long visits year after year.
Business of the Year was presented to the Clear Lake Arts Center. The Clear Lake Arts Center received the award for renovating an existing downtown building, enhancing the cultural climate of Clear Lake for residents and all who visit. They have worked hard this past year to offer new and exciting activities on a regular basis. Additionally, they have worked closely with the community to coordinate their events in conjunction with Chamber sponsored events to increase the overall attendance and participation. This business is truly a treasure, rare for a community this size.
Mike Finnegan, Clear Lake Mirror Reporter, took over the reigns as 2008 President. Rod Bernard, Fareway Stores, Inc., was honored for his service as President in 2007. Denni Sue Erickson, Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, has been elected by the Board of Directors to serve as President-Elect for 2008, becoming President in 2009. Paul Stevenson, Clear Lake Bank & Trust, will serve as Treasurer and Chairman of the Executive Board. Retiring Board members honored for their service were: Cindy Gabrielson (First Gabrielson Agency), Mary Harle (Oakwood Care Center), Carolyn Prohaska (Thrifty White), Ed Schick, and Julie Steinberg (City of Clear Lake Councilperson).
Other Board Members include: Casey Callanan (1st Insurance), Chad Cavett (Heartland Inn), Mark Ebeling (Edwards-Brandt & Associates/Iowa Realty), Shaun Finn (TQ Technologies), Doug Grabinski (Attorney At Law) Alice Hanley (Independent Longaberger Consultant), Darren Hewett (Culvers of Clear Lake), Doug Klein (CL Tel), Kevin Moler (Clear Lake Sanitary District), John Olson (Opportunity Village), Eric Paulson (Manufacturers Bank & Trust), Jackie Peterson (Unique Boutique), Vickie Snyder (Dean Snyder Construction), Tim Stenberg (Joshua Inc.) and Bob Wolfram (City of Ventura).
