Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 100th Anniversary

DECORAH -- It's a party that comes around once every century. The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 100th anniversary all year long with a host of exciting events. The organization recently released its 2024 events schedule. It includes established events such as the 24th Annual Chamber Golf Outing, the 21st Annual "Stay Safe, Take a Break" Farmer Appreciation Event, and the classic Chamber Gala. Jessica Rilling, executive director, is excited to celebrate and let loose with the community. "The Chamber Gala is an important event which includes the community on a larger scale," she said. "We have lots of programming that is more serious or educational. This one takes a minute to be in a place of celebration and recognition of hard work while having a fun time." The Chamber Gala takes takes place on April 26th at Impact Coffee with the aptly designated theme Rock Around the Clock. "We wanted to find creative ways to embrace the 100-year milestone," Rilling expressed. "There will be fun decade-themed games and live auction packages. All members and non-members are welcome!" Along with its traditional offerings, the Chamber is planning new events and programming options throughout the year. "We just added two happy hour socials in May and August," Rilling announced. "We are also throwing a Chamber birthday party on September 24 that will serve as a kickoff for a brand new annual business award event that has not been formally announced yet. Keep an eye out for more information on that!" Full calendar of events and membership information found here. A Decorah native herself, Rilling has a strong appreciation for her community and the work the Chamber has done for it over the past century. "One-hundred years is a very long time for a non-profit but also not very long when it takes five, 10, 20 years to accomplish large community projects," she said. "It's been fun looking back at past initiatives. Many people don't realize that the Chamber and Winneshiek Co. Economic Development manage the Visit Decorah tourism brand which represents all of Winneshiek County. We took that over a few years ago when the previous tourism organization dissolved. Decorah has been very savvy on maintaining and engaging with the Chamber, which says a lot about its necessity and value in shaping the local business community. I'm very lucky to have this job." Rilling considers the forward trajectory of the Chamber and its work. "We're evaluating and evolving all of the time," she said. "What the Chamber did 50 years ago might not work now or in 20 years. What is meaningful and measurable now? In-person connections are as important as ever, especially post-Covid, and we are always working toward building solid relationships with the people who live here in order to continue supporting the community to the best of our ability. I am really proud of the team we have and I am excited to see how we collaborate with partners moving forward." For more information on the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce, call 563 382-3990 or visit https://www.decorahareachamber.com/.