The Clear Valley Business Connections (CVBC) organization recently met for their quarterly meeting in February, where elections were held for the upcoming year’s board member positions.

Glenna Soenneker, Mary Kay consultant, was nominated and accepted the position as the new CVBC president; previous president, Lori Johnson, Root of Wellness, stepped down from the role. Johnson was then voted in as vice president, running against previous VP, Leigh Holman, Sunset Ridge Ranch.

Jenny Massmann, American Heritage Bank, will continue her role as secretary and Eron Bordson, Clearwater Family Chiropractic, will continue his role as treasurer. Alyx Johnson, Johnson Materials, was nominated and accepted the position of co-secretary and head of social media. 2021 Board of Directions include Angie Simon, Lake Central Insurance Services, Jean Schermer, Lake Central Bank, and Roger Maleska, Minnesota Wearables.

Business Updates

Attendees were informed that the Clearwater/Clear Lake Food Shelf is talking to Rejoice Lutheran Church about the possibility of purchasing land from them to build a new food shelf building. If approved, the Food Shelf would also like to host cooking seminars within the church.

Cale Leiviska, Airborn Disc Golf Preserve, is looking at the possibility of expanding his disc golf course by another 18 holes. The bottom half of the golf club is still being rented, and it’s hoped the pool will be able to open this summer.

The high-end apartments by the former golf course are scheduled to open this summer.

Jolene Foss from the Wright Co. Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP) reviewed the funds available and dispersed by the CARES Act to Wright Co. She’s available to help local businesses navigate the CARES Act process and is also looking for ideas for new businesses to recruit to the county.

Other Business

The Explore Clearwater and Clear Lake Business Expo was discussed. It will again be held in the American Legion in Clearwater, this year on May 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mary Nehring, Patriot Newspaper, discussed the upcoming Clearwater/Clear Lake Community Guide. Any business interested in placing an ad is encouraged to email her at adsales@patriotnewsmn.com by April 1. Businesses interested in having their name listed in the community guide need to have their $50 annual CVBC dues paid by April 1 as well.

Lynne Crandall, Premier Real Estate, discussed the idea of bringing back ‘Music in the Park,’ an event that has been held in the past.

The meeting began with the organization’s annual chili feed and contest. Johnson’s chili received the most votes, crowning her the champion. Tied for second place were Alyssa Braaten, AFLAC, and Massmann. The Patriot was thanked for supplying gift bags for each contest participant.

The next CVBC meeting will be Thursday, April 8, location to be announced.