One word to describe the Clarion Chamber and development organization is NEW. Relatively NEW is its working name: Clarion Development Alliance (CDA), combining the Chamber of Commerce and Development Commission. NEW is its Executive Director: Sam Stumpf. NEW location: 105 – 2nd Avenue N.E. in Clarion. Several NEW board members: Melinda Anderson as its President.
“I began my duties here on July 31st,” said Stumpf. “I was serving on the board of directors, but was hired as the Executive Director when we made the decision to close Rustic Raven.” Rustic Raven had been in business online and then as a storefront for twelve years. The store closed allowing the owners to spend more time with their families.
Telling about Stumpf’s background, she described herself as a ‘military brat’. “I graduated from a high school in Missouri,” she said, “and went to college in Iowa. I met Jason (husband) and just stuck around Clarion. I really like small towns.” The couple has two children: Oliver, 6, and Harper, 4.
She and her board are wasting no time getting started. “We are focusing on community events,” Stumpf said. “We are getting committees going. We look forward to making some changes to the Festival in the Park. We want to bring speakers in to help businesses to make an even bigger impact on our community. We are soliciting volunteers to help in any way. Plus we are always looking for more investors in the CDA to keep things moving in a positive direction.”
The CDA is continuing its efforts to purchase a new sound system for Main Street, which they hope will have enough funds before next year’s Festival.
Monthly socials are on their ‘to-do’ list. The first one will be a ‘tailgate’ at Chappy’s (South Main), Iowa vs. Iowa State football game weekend. It will be held on Thursday, September 7th beginning at 5 p.m. “It is a good way to socialize, network, have fun, and play some games,” said Stumpf. “We want it to be for our investors, but it will be open to the public. We invite anyone to come and enjoy the fun!”
Board president Melinda Anderson is excited to have Sam as their Executive Director. “She brings lots of skills and organization to the table,” she said. “I think she will do a great job. She has deep roots in our community. And I am super excited about the nine individuals who are currently serving as our directors. They all have the same passion and vision for our community.”
Anderson hasn’t been that involved in the Clarion community lately but decided it was time. “I have been very involved at the state level with the trucking industry. But it was time for me to be more involved in our town as an employer and as my kids are returning to live here. I want it to be a great place to live and work.” She encourages others to invest and/or get involved. “We want to have an event every month, so I hope many others get involved.”
Stumpf and Anderson have lots of new ideas: a home-based business group, organizing a volunteer list of those looking to volunteer when asked, and unique events and activities. One recent event is the upcoming ‘Culture Fest’ in Gazebo Park on Saturday, September 16th. “It promises to be a good event,” said Anderson. “Keep watching for more information as the time comes closer.”
“We have lots of interest,” said Stumpf. “It’s exciting!” Currently, the Clarion Development Alliance is open from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. You’ll probably catch Sam Stumpf at various Clarion businesses when she is not at the office.
