About the Chamber
A community advocate, resource and partner!
The Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting the business climate, supporting economic development and enhancing the quality of life in our community, while also marketing what Charles City has to offer and serving as a local information and resource hub. We are a non-profit organization led by a 9-member Board of Directors comprised of Chamber member representatives, facilitated by a professional director and staff, and affiliated with the Iowa Association of Chambers of Commerce.
The Chamber provides a wide variety of benefits and services to its members and the community, and is involved in networking and referrals; business assistance, promotion and advocacy; tourism and marketing; promoting the first whitewater river course in Iowa; educational and leadership opportunities; as well as organizing community-wide events such as the Annual Fourth of July Celebration, the Charles City Challenge Whitewater Festival, Cabin Fever Weekend, Santa House, retail events and more! We are a voice and a resource for our business community.
The Chamber also provides a number of ways to get involved in the community and to learn more about Charles City and the surrounding area. Our core and event committees include:
Core Committees
Membership: Responsible for all matters concerning membership participation, extension and retention.
Budget & Finance: Advises the board of directors from time to time with respect to the financial position and financial policies of the Chamber and will suggest ways and means of conserving and increasing the revenues of the corporation. A certified audit will be performed every third year.
Retail: Helps in promotion of retailers and events such as ChickFest, Pink Friday and more.
Education: Focuses on providing information and educational resources to Chamber Members and the community. Projects include Leadership Development Program, Lunch & Learns, etc.
Tourism: Made up of local tourism partners and others interested in promoting Charles City as a destination. Projects/activities include: community guide, map and guide, tourism marketing, photo contest, regional tourism events, etc.
Event Committees
Cabin Fever Weekend: Coordinates a weekend of winter activities, both indoors and outdoors, in partnership with local businesses and organizations.
Community Volunteer Recognition Awards: Organizes annual event to honor some of the top non-profit organization volunteers in town, solicits nominations for ‘Caught in the Act’ and ‘Man/Woman of the Year,’ determines Chamber Man of the Year and Woman of the Year winners and coordinates all details of the event.
Charles City Challenge Whitewater Festival: Plans and implements a river festival featuring whitewater events for paddlers of ages and skill levels, as well as activities on shore for spectators.
Fourth of July Celebration: Plans and organizes annual multi-day celebration around the July 4th holiday, including parades, entertainment, food, etc. This is usually Charles City’s biggest festival of the year.
Chamber Golf Outing: Coordinates a golf tournament and networking event for members, clients and friends; coordinates all details of the event including: sponsors, prizes, teams and promotion.
Annual Chamber Dinner & Auction: Coordinates details of the event, including an auction, refreshments and entertainment.
Let us welcome your business!
You may have seen the group in red coats around town, but do you really know who they are?
These are Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. The original group of Ambassadors was formed in 1955 under Chamber director Bob Thomson’s leadership. The Ambassadors serve as the good will public relations greeting arm for the Chamber of Commerce. Members may be any individual in good standing with the community who are involved in the Chamber and/or retired presidents of the Chamber. There is an Ambassador Supreme who directs the members of the club, along with Junior Ambassadors – each representing his/her respective High School class. Junior Ambassadors are selected during an interview process that takes place in the spring of their 8th grade year. JA-s represent their High School class during all four years of their High School careers.
The group meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month and typically calls on 3-4 businesses for occasions such as an anniversary, remodeling project and new business or new location. The Ambassadors also make special calls for Grand Openings and Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies.
If your business would like a visit from the Ambassadors, please call the Chamber office at 641-228-4234.
Our Ambassadors
Mark Barry
Shawn Davis
Tammy Elthon
DeLaine Freeseman
Carl “Kip” Hauser
J.R. “Dick” Herbrechtsmeyer
Bob Kloberdanz
Dean Andrews
Jacie Garden
Veronica Litterer
Mark Miller
Toni Noah
Heidi Pavlovich
Jeff Sisson
Dean Stewart
Dakotah Jones
Sheena Bohlen
Christopher Hall
Junior Ambassadors
Ryder Biwer 2025
Lisa Ryan 2026
Ana Tutu 2027
As part of the promotional service we offer our members, The Chamber organizes Chamber Member Mingle open house events throughout the year at different member locations to showcase their products and services in a relaxed, social atmosphere. The Chamber works with interested member businesses to schedule and promote the open house, which is usually held at that particular business location. If a member is unable to host a Member Mingle event at their location, the Chamber office is happy to help arrange an alternative location.
To schedule or learn more about hosting a Chamber Member Mingle, please contact the Chamber office at (641) 228-4234 or email info@charlescitychamber.com.
Beginning in 2022, the Chamber will be hosting a quarterly “Coffee and Conversations” event open to all that will not only spotlight a different Chamber member, but provide important community updates and facilitate informed public conversation. Representatives from the City, County, School District, Area Development Corp., Chamber and Main Street Charles City will be on hand to report on current happenings and answer questions. Chamber members in attendance will also be able to give brief updates on their businesses (optional), and provide input on ideas or issues they are facing.
Watch for event announcements for dates, time and location. If your business is interested in being a featured host, please contact the Chamber at (641) 228-4234 or email info@charlescitychamber.com.
