"A community begins with those who believe in it. Becoming a part of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is showing up for your community. We are blessed to live in a place with such passion and pride in our surroundings. For all here now and all those to follow, there is a fire for what “Okoboji” can become.

Chamber membership is lots of things. A chain with every link committed to success makes a strong chain. Uniting our business community to form the strongest chain possible is the first goal of our organization.  My personal goal as Chamber Board President is for the unity of our business community to be as revered as our beautiful lakes. Through the investment of our membership and other generous contributions we are able to orchestrate some of the best community building events in the Midwest. Events such as the University of Okoboji Winter Games & Oktoberfest, Walleye Weekend, Fourth of July fireworks, just to name a few. All of these do great things to showcase our local business partners. Beyond that they cultivate the kind of pride in community necessary for any place to feel like home.

We are also committed to being advocates for our members promotionally, informatively, and legislatively.  Our community is growing. Every year our shoulder season thrives stronger. This area can be whatever we’re committed to making it. Besides the three years I was a student at Iowa State I’ve lived my whole life in Dickinson County as a proud student of the University of Okoboji. I know how special it is to live here and be proud of the business you’re a part of. The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is equal parts strengthening what we already have as a community and finding new ways to what we can become.

Getting the most of Chamber membership is all about the time you invest in it. We’re committed to creating networking opportunities that lead to long time connections. Chamber events, Business After 5, Legislative Forums, all provide great opportunities to be more involved in what’s happening and get to know people committed to our area better.

One of my favorite things to talk about regarding The Chamber is how great our staff is and how hard they work to make everything we do not just special, but fun too. Our board members, Commodores and volunteers are also owed great thanks for the time they donate to our organization.

If you aren’t currently a member of the Chamber, I encourage you to contact Blain, Kiley, Andrea or any of our board members for information."