Dear Potential Chamber Member,
Enclosed is information regarding membership in The Chamber of the Iowa Great Lakes.
Our Chamber serves the entire Okoboji area including: Spirit Lake, Arnolds Park, Okoboji and Milford, as well as the surrounding area. We market the area as a whole, not just an individual town. We have approximately 375 members, with a variety of businesses and services in the area.
If you have any questions regarding this information or anything about the Chamber, please do not hesitate to call.
.
Should you decide to enroll now - and I hope you do - the Enrollment Form is included for you to complete and remit with payment. We look forward to partnering with you on our many events!
Sincerely,
Kari Karnes
Director of Membership
IGL Chamber of Commerce
Membership Enrollment Form
Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
243 W. Broadway – PO Box 9
Arnolds Park, IA 51331
Our annual investment to enhance the quality of life and business in the Iowa Great Lakes area will be $______paid annually.
Investment Category:
Business Name: ______
Owner:______
Manager:______
BusinessPhone:______Cell Phone:______
Website(s): ______
Facebook & Social Media: ______
Email Addresses:______
Business Address: ______
Business Mailing Address: ______
______
Number of Years in Business:______Number of Employees:______
Other significant information: ______
______
______
______
Signature:______Date:______
From The Chamber’s President & CEO, Jeff Thee
Thank you for your consideration of membership in the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber Team and I are anxious to do what we can to make your business better. From running promotions that bring more people to our area or conducting educational seminars that benefit you and your employees, we are always looking for ways to improve our business climate and the quality of life in the Iowa Great Lakes Area.
Your membership allows you more than just participation in our programs. We also welcome your input and involvement into the design and types of programs we conduct. As we plan the future of our community, we welcome your involvement in our committees and boards. I would also encourage your thoughts and comments. Contact any of the Chamber Team members at 712-332-2107.
With your assistance and participation, we can maintain a positive course as we move our community into the future, a future that will benefit all of our citizens.
From The Chamber Board President, Norm Johnson (2014-2016)
As a prospective member of the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce you have undoubtedly asked yourself “why should I join?” As a fellow business owner in the Iowa Great Lakes I am proud to be a member of the Chamber and do so because of the excellent return on my annual investment. For a small portion of my annual marketing budget I receive tremendous value through the following Chamber member benefits:
HOpportunity to attract new customers through Chamber sponsored activities such as Winter Games, Walleye Weekend, Fall Fest, Boji Bike Rally and more
HNetworking with fellow Iowa Great Lakes business owners at Business After Five, the Chamber Annual Meeting and a variety of other events
HServe as an Iowa Navy Commodore, our ambassador group
HGreat marketing benefits for your business through word-of-mouth, social media, press releases and email campaigns. The Chamber is often the first call made when potential visitors plan a vacation.
HLegislative support for your business through Chamber organized events and visits with state officials on topics directly affecting your business.
HCommunity engagement and involvement.
HIn short, the Chamber does many of the “little things” I often don’t have time to do myself. The Chamber takes an already great area to live and work and makes it even better. Join today!
Benefits of Being a Chamber Member
HIncreased business based on recruitment and Chamber referrals
HInformational packets provided for prospective businesses
HChamber Dollars Program – redemption of Chamber Buck as checks at your business- in essence, an Iowa Great Lakes gift card!
HMembership listing on
HFraud Alert Notifications
HBusiness After Five Networking Opoortunities
HWorkshops/Seminars/Annual Events
HMarketing via social media, press releases and e-mail campaigns
HMembership Directory
HResearch and statistics through Chamber/Tourism contacts
HTax deductible as a legitimate business expense
HIowa Navy Commodores for greetings, ribbon cuttings, etc.
HBusiness recognition in projects
HOpportunities for members to participate on boards, committees, etc.
HMailing and phone number list of all Chamber members for your use
HChamber Waves email newsletter & Member-to-Member communications
HPartner with Corridor of Economic Development for future area development
HChamber works as advocate with area legislators on issues important here
HSpecial Events:
HUniversity of Okoboji Winter Games
HGreat Walleye Weekend
HBoji Bike Rally
HFall Fest
HAnnual meeting
HJuly 4th Fireworks Display
Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber Team
Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce | PO Box 9 – 243 W Broadway, Arnold’s Park, IA 51331 | (712) 332-2107
Jeff Thee,
President & CEO-The Chamber
712-332-6501
Jen Johnson-Ross
Program Director-The Chamber
712-332-6505
Kari Karnes
Director of Membership – The Chamber 712-332-6502
Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce | PO Box 9 – 243 W Broadway, Arnold’s Park, IA 51331 | (712) 332-2107
The Chamber Board of Directors2014
Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce | PO Box 9 – 243 W Broadway, Arnold’s Park, IA 51331 | (712) 332-2107
Erin Davelaar
Mammoth Marketing
Jason Harrington
Lakes Regional Healthcare
Greg Jenness
TurnerJenness Funeral Home
Norm Johnson
YMCA
Mark Richter
The Three Sons
Andy Schultz
The State Bank
Matt Schmeling
Spirit Lake
Jeff Vierkant
Pure Fishing
Kevin Wharton
Perkins Restaurant
Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce | PO Box 9 – 243 W Broadway, Arnold’s Park, IA 51331 | (712) 332-2107
It PAYS to be a Chamber Member
If dollar values could be placed on services and programs of The Chamber,
this is what it some of them might look like:
- Registered lobbyists working with local, state and federal
officials to represent your business interest………………………..…………$600 - Ribbon cutting ceremony and promotion in the Lakes News
Shopper, The Dickinson County News & Social Media………………….…$200
- Listing on Membership Directory …………$120
- Referrals from The Chamber
(providing an average of 300+overall referrals monthly) ………...... $50 - Courtesy listing in the award-winningVacation Okoboji…………...….$50
- Membership window sticker to show clients and customers
that you care about the Iowa Great Lakes ………………….……………..…$20
- Lakes Breaks Program participation …………………………………………………$100
- Business After Five (per event) ……………………………………………….…...…$10
- Clear Dollar of Profit presentations ………………………………….……..………$200
- Lunch ‘n Learn educational opportunities ………………………….….….……$50
- Legislative Update presentations (per event) …………………………..….…$20
- University of Okoboji Winter Games presence ……………………………..…Priceless
- Walleye Weekend benefit to Iowa Easter Seals (annually) ………………$10,000
- Walleye Weekend benefits to local members ……………………………….…Varies
- 4th of July Fireworks ………………………………………………………………..………$100
- G.O.L.F.-Great Okoboji Lakes Finale golf tournament …………….……$100
- Access to Chamber Dollars program………………………………….………………Hundreds
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote the business, civic, tourism and agricultural interests of our members and area residents and to further the development and protection of all our resources
Membership Investment Schedule
The Chamber’s Membership Investment schedule is for a 12-month period. Your membership starts with the day your payment is received until the same day the following year. Rates are not pro-rated with the first full year payment required to activate membership.
Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce | PO Box 9 – 243 W Broadway, Arnold’s Park, IA 51331 | (712) 332-2107
AMUSEMENT COMPLEX
$580.00 (base)
plus $115.00 / activity
BEAUTY & BARBER SHOPS
$170.00 (base)
CAMPING
$200.00 (base)
plus $2.50 / site
CONVENIENCE STORES
$170.00 (base)
plus $12.00 / hose
CONTRACTORS/BUILDING TRADE
$170.00 (base)
DEALERSHIPS
Auto-Boat-Motorcycle-RV-Snowmobile
$220.00 (base)
plus $30.00 / employee
DISTRIBUTORS
$220.00 (base)
plus $2.50 / site
FARMERS
$100.00 (base)
FINANCIAL
Negotiated
($15 / million)
FOOD & BEVERAGE
$195.00 (base)
Restaurant (no bar)
$195.00 plus $.60 / seat
Bar & Restaurant
$195.00 plus $1.15/seat
Bar-$195.00
GASOLINE STATION
$40.00 / hose
$400.00 maximum
GOLF COURSES
$220.00 / 9 holes
GROCERY
$175.00 / checkout
$900.00 maximum
INSURANCE
$195.00 / agency
(2 agents or less)
$400.00 over 2 agents
LUMBER
$170.00 (base) plus
$30.00 / employee
MANUFACTURING
$220.00 (base)
plus $2.30 / employee
MEDIA
$220.00 (base) plus $30.00 / employee
PRINTERS
$220.00 (base)
PROFESSIONALS
$220.00 / firm
1 professional
plus $100.00 each additional doctor, chiropractor, dentist, lawyer, engineer, accountant, optometrist, and /or certified public accountant
REAL ESTATE AGENCIES
$260.00
(2 agents or less)
$500.00
(3 agents or more)
RECREATIONAL
$170.00 (base)
plus $60.00 / activity
RESORTS
$8.00 / unit
$136.50 minimum
RETAIL
$170.00 (base)
plus $30.00 / employee
SERVICE
(non-construction)
$170.00 (base)
THEATERS
$230.00 (base)
UTILITIES
These regulated agencies use
their approved schedules or
by agreement
ASSOCIATE (INDIVIDUALS)
$65.00 (base)
SUSTAINING MEMBER
$170.00 (base)
Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce | PO Box 9 – 243 W Broadway, Arnold’s Park, IA 51331 | (712) 332-2107