Pam Keller was so enthusiastic to help Clarion grow and thrive that she came all the way from Alaska to make it happen! That might not be the whole story, but Keller is excited to be the first director of the Clarion Development Alliance (CDA).
The CDA is the new entity that formed after the Clarion Chamber and Economic Development arms dissolved. The new alliance is meant to be a new robust organization that will combine the missions of the two previous groups to work for Clarion on many levels.
How Keller ended up as the CDA’s first ever director is a story thousands of miles in the making. She had been living and working in Alaska but is originally from Fort Dodge. When she was back in the area last summer, she met her fiancé Dave at the Wright County Fair. They hit it off famously, and now Keller finds herself an Iowan again.
Keller has a background in finance and business development and says she also enjoys making new acquaintances and volunteering. “I’m a people person. I like meeting new people, getting out and about and working within a community,” said Keller. The CDA Board thought that made her the perfect person to helm the organization.
In her position, Keller will be responsible for regular Chamber-type activities like working with businesses in addition to planning activities like Festival in the Park and retail events. She will also be working on the economic development side trying to attract new businesses and on housing ideas.
Other people involved with the CDA are happy to have Keller aboard and help develop the organization and therefore Clarion. “We’re looking forward to Pam helping develop existing businesses, and facilitate and drive them to grow even more,” said Clarion City Administrator Clint Middleton. On the economic development side, the CDA board noted that Keller will get to work with Wright County Economic Development Director Darrel Steven Carlyle.
“We are excited for this group to develop into something really special and give Clarion a boost,” said Susan Toftey. Board Member Elizabeth McOllough added that they look forward to inviting the community to participate in the CDA through subcommittees in the future.
As Keller gets to work for this organization, she has already been out visiting businesses and making acquaintances. Right now, she is working part-time until after her wedding later this summer. She is anticipating Festival in the Park on June 11. “I’m looking forward to that event. I can’t wait to get feedback from everyone and work to make Clarion a better place.”
When she isn’t getting her feet wet at the CDA, Keller said she is a health and fitness nut. She enjoys gardening and outdoor activities such as biking and hiking. She invites people to stop by the Depot later this summer to say hi.
The CDA office will announce regular business hours later this summer but they can be reached by email at chamber@clarioniowa.com or by leaving a phone message (515) 532-2256. Businesses can look for a letter later this summer inviting them to participate in the Alliance.
