The LeClaire Chamber of Commerce celebrated success stories from 2023 at its annual meeting Saturday night, Jan. 27, at Steventon’s in LeClaire.
During the event, Chamber President Rob Cain thanked the organization’s board for its volunteer service and the expertise. “We are truly blessed to have people with their skills and dedication working on behalf of you,” he told the nearly 80 chamber members in attendance.
The evening also celebrated the growth of new businesses and business expansions in LeClaire. They include: Emily Found It, Laurie Geest LMT, Buttercupp Candles, Cody Rose Flowers, Enventiv LLC, UConnect Solutions, J Works Premier Pressure Washing, Kwik Star, McNaughton Photography, Edward Jones – Tim Lane, Nest Modern Goods, Novel Nail and Beauty, Orange Blossom Stitchery & Quilt Shoppe, Studio K LeClaire, Fareway, Aunt Hattie’s butterfly mural, and The Potter’s House.
Mr. Cain also asked the crowd to welcome Janet & June and Starbucks, which both are expected to open this year in LeClaire.
The evening also included a silent and live auction and the annual awards presentation. The business leaders and businesses announced as the 2023 winners were:
- Aunt Hattie’s Fanciful Emporium, winner of the “Golden Pineapple” Customer Service Award, which recognizes the individual or business that best exemplifies LeClaire’s hospitality.
- Connie Allen, Volunteer of the Year. The award recognizes exceptional volunteer efforts that contribute to the vibrancy of LeClaire.
- Emily Found It, winner of the Brick & Mortar Award, which recognizes the business which has most improved or built its facility in keeping with LeClaire’s charm.
- Christmas in LeClaire, Event of the Year. The award honors the event that best demonstrates LeClaire’s hospitality and community spirit.
- Kim and Rodney Collier, Spirit of LeClaire award, which recognizes the business, individual or service who led with spirit as a shining example of perseverance through the year’s challenges.
- Edward DeSilva Community Award – Bob Schiffke. The award is named for the chamber’s late founder – Edward “Bud” DeSilva, who also served as LeClaire’s general counsel and the chamber’s first president. Mr. Schiffke, of LeClaire, has been a driving force behind the Buffalo Bill Museum.
In discussing 2023 chamber highlights, Mr. Cain applauded the ongoing partnership with the City of LeClaire and the LeClaire Tourism Office, led by Cindy Bruhn, to strengthen business development and economic initiatives.
He told the crowd the evening’s fundraising efforts help the chamber support a number of community events throughout the year, including Vettes on the River, Fall Fest, Witches Walk, Christmas in LeClaire and more.
“We look forward to an even stronger year of service to you in 2024,” he said.
In addition to Mr. Cain as president, the 2024 board leadership includes: Debbie Mulvania, vice president, (First Central State Bank branch manager and senior mortgage lender); Mike Clingingsmith, treasurer (Pleasant Valley Community School District’s chief financial officer); and Dr. Crystal Buesing, secretary, (Dr. Crystal’s Chiropractic Care). The chamber staff includes Alixx Boynton, board secretary, and Alysia Huffman, digital manager.
The other 2024 board members are: Bill Bloom, retired Deere & Co. manager; Lynet Cobler, branch manager for Blackhawk Bank & Trust, LeClaire; Dr. Rob Danielson, radiologist with Radiology Group and co-owner of Bela with his wife Tammy; Ms. Boynton, employed by Maschio Gaspardo in DeWitt, Iowa; and Ms. Huffman, the general manager of operations for Centurion Financial.
