Chamber will re-focus search for new leader

At its regularly scheduled monthly meeting Monday, Nov. 19, the Clear Lake Economic Development Corporation (EDC) voted to look into the possibility of partnering with the Mason City EDC.
The Clear Lake EDC and and Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce have shared a director and office since 1990. The possible change in direction would separate the two entities and, most importantly, would mean the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce would now be looking for its own executive director to replace Steve Ward, who resigned as leader of both the Chamber and EDC in October.
Since Ward’s resignation, representatives of the EDC and Chamber Boards of Directors had been working jointly on a search committee.
“We fully support this action by the EDC,” said Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce President Rod Bernard. He noted the Chamber has enjoyed a “wonderful working relationship” with the EDC and he looks forward to continuing that relationship, should the Clear Lake and Mason City development groups combine their efforts.
“We realize that for this area to grow economically, we have to be thinking regionally-- not just Clear Lake and not just Mason City,” said Bernard. “We have to recognize what’s good for Clear Lake in the creation of new jobs is also good for Mason City and vice versa.”
Bernard said the decision to pursue a shared EDC with Mason City has changed the direction the search committee will now take. A new committee will be formed immediately to find a Chamber of Commerce executive director. Bernard added that he is confident the new committee will find the best candidate possible to lead the Chamber forward.
“Clear Lake is a great place to live and raise a family,” he said. “Who wouldn’t want to be the Chamber of Commerce Executive Director in a wonderful community like this?”