Volunteer Board of Directors apply for non-profit status

The North Iowa Cultural Center and Museum, Inc. has been formed for the purpose of preserving, maintaining and managing the historic Surf Ballroom property as a center for cultural and civic purposes in the greater North Iowa area.  The group, comprised at this time by Shane Cooney and Paul Stevenson (left) and Jeff Nicholas (right)  announced it will lease the Surf Ballroom from the Snyder family and re-open the ballroom  Jan. 25.  Pictured with the non-profit board members is Dale Snyder.

The Dean Snyder family of Clear Lake announced Tuesday that they have entered into a lease agreement with a business called the North Iowa Cultural Center and Museum, Inc. Their intention is to operate the Surf Ballroom as a non-profit organization.
The Snyder family purchased the Surf Ballroom in 1994 with the intention to preserve the ballroom for all of North Iowa.
“It was never our desire to operate the business ourselves,” said Dale Snyder. “It has been both a privilege and challenge to own the Surf. We have, over these years, learned many things. Quite frankly, some good and some not so good. Unfortunately, the overriding lesson learned is that operating the Surf at a profit is an increasing challenge.”
The North Iowa Cultural Center and Museum, Inc. is comprised of a group of volunteers organized for the purpose of preserving, maintaining and managing the historic Surf Ballroom property as a center for cultural and civic purposes in the greater North Iowa area.
“We envision a number of specific benefits to this community, the county and all of North Iowa,” commented Jeff Nicholas, board member of the North Iowa Cultural Center and Museum. “In addition to ensuring the future of such signature events as the Winter Dance Party and appearances by renowned artists, we believe that the Surf Ballroom and Museum can truly be an important stop for all out-of-town visitors. We want to showcase and explain the invaluable pictures, posters and memorabilia within the building, make greater use of the Surfside 6 lounge, and make the facility more available for ‘off-peak’ times for community meetings and private functions.”
The corporation will work to preserve the physical structure and character of the historic Surf Ballroom, making the facility available to a wide variety of civic, non-profit and other groups for meetings, functions and events. The non-profit status of the corporation will allow the solicitation of contributions and should make it an attractive grant applicant.
“Everyone involved with this project has a passion for the Surf Ballroom and a desire to see the ballroom doors remain open,” said Board Member Paul Stevenson. “We understand the significant impact the Surf plays on tourism and steps needed to be taken to ensure its future. We believe this is an important endeavor for Clear Lake and all of North Iowa.”
The three men say they envision eventually expanding the North Iowa Cultural Center and Museum board to nine to 11 members. In addition, an executive director will be hired to promote the museum aspect of the Surf Ballroom to potential visitors, including bus tours.
“We consider tourism built upon the museum side of the Surf to be a large component of the financial stability of the Surf,” said Nicholas.
The executive director position has been advertised and has drawn applicants locally, as well as from throughout the country. The person chosen for the position could be named within the next few weeks or a month, said board members.
A lease agreement with CDGB’s, operated by Kevin Schonemann, expired on Dec. 31, 2007. Schonemann had managed the Surf for the past five years.
Nicholas said he and other board members talked with Dale Snyder after he received word Schonemann would not renew his lease.
“We made a commitment to him that we were here to help maintain the history of the Surf, in whatever way we could,” said Nicholas.
“With the annual Winter Dance set to occur Jan. 29-Feb. 2, in just two weeks, we wanted the community to know that the Surf is alive and well and headed toward a bright future,” noted Board Member Shane Cooney.
The North Iowa Cultural Center and Museum, Inc. will take over operations of the Surf Ballroom on Jan. 25, 2008.
The Surf Ballroom is currently closed to the public.