News and Awards:
See Calendar for upcoming events


NEW! LeClaire TOURISM GUIDE*

• Congratulations to Donna Walley, owner of "Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium", just voted the River City Reader's "Best of the Quad Cities - Fall 2011" for "Locally owned store with things you can’t find at chains"
  Read more...
  
   

• MIDWEST LIVING MAGAZINE NAMES LOCAL DISTILLERY “BEST OF WHAT’S NEW”
  LeClaire, IA, December 29, 2011 – Midwest Living Magazine is bringing another round of national press to Mississippi River Distilling Company in LeClaire.
  
  The publication lists the distillery as one of the “Top 25 Places to
  Stay, Eat and Play” in their January/February 2012 issue. Midwest Living showcases travel, food and culture in Midwest states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The article can be found on page 55 of the magazine or on their website
  www.MidwestLiving.com
  
   

• The LeClaire Rec Center features Drop-in Adult volleyball, basketball, youth soccer league, Zumba, weight room & Tiny Tots Play Groups. www.leclairereccenter.com 
  
   

• The Buffalo Bill Museum just unveiled its new buffalo statue...
  
  www.buffalobillmuseumleclaire.com
   

• Donna Walley and Debbie Mulvania had lunch with Dave Cornthwaite, who is traveling down the Mississippi and stopped in LeClaire. He can be followed on http://www.facebook.com/expedition1000
  Photos of Dave:
   
  
   

• FaceBook: LeClaire Chamber of Commerce (non profit organization) Visit, “like,” and visit often. . . this is the official page of the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce!
   

• “A piece of steel from the World Trade Center is on display at the LeClaire Fire Department and officials say they hope to make it the focal point of a permanent display honoring the nearly 3,000 Americans killed on Sept. 11, 2001 and also raise awareness of the more than 800 responders who have died from health problems caused by contamination at the scene. The 9-foot high 21-inch wide artifact weighs nearly 400 pounds. It is on display through a window at the fire station at 15th and Jones Streets.”
   

• Visit our Economic Development page  where we will be featuring available real estate for sale and for rent around LeClaire, as well as information for businesses interested in coming to LeClaire. Learn how to support your Local LeClaire Economy with the 3/50 Project. If you have a commercial property to sell or rent, please let us know!
  
  Advertise commercial property, sale or lease, on www.LeClaireChamber.com Visit http://leclairechamber.com/design/economic_development.html  where we will be featuring available real estate for sale and for rent around LeClaire, as well as information for businesses interested in coming to LeClaire. Learn how to support your Local LeClaire Economy with the 3/50 Project. If you have a commercial property to sell or rent, please let us know!
   

• You can volunteer to serve on City of LeClaire boards and commissions. The LeClaire Board of Adjustment, LeClaire Tourism Board, LeClaire Planning & Zoning Commission, Parks, Levee, and Recreation Boards, and the LeClaire Library Board of Trustees are accepting applications. Anyone wishing to be considered for volunteer service on any of these Committees must submit a completed application form that may be obtained from City Hall during regular business hours, or can be obtained on the City’s website which is: www.leclaireiowa.gov Take an interest, volunteer, and get involved in your City’s future.
   

• Senior citizens’ meal program site in LeClaire: GENERATIONS CAFÉ If you: a) desire a new social opportunity, b) want reliable nutritious meals, and/or c) are tired of cooking…..join us at the GenAge Café offered three days a week right here in town. Join them Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church, 200 South 12th Street, LeClaire. Costs for the meals are: 60 and Over $2.75 donation; under 60: $5.00 charge. To sign up call Area Agency on Aging (563) 324-9085. If you are homebound and cannot make it to the meal site call (563) 324-9085 for home delivery.
   

• LeClaire Chamber of Commerce is on Facebook. Please visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce “non profit organization” FaceBook page, and “like” it. This new page will serve as our sole Facebook page; the FaceBook page of your member business can be among its “friends!”
   

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• LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Supports Children’s Programming at Library
  On March 17th representatives from the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce donated $1000 towards the expansion of children's programming at the LeClaire Community Library. Established as a priority at the museum, the funds were donated in honor of the late Judge DeSilva who was also one of the founders of the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce.
  
  In 2010 the Friends of the Library was awarded a grant from the McDonald’s Corporation for children’s services. The three-year award requires matching funds from the community, and these funds, raised from the Chamber Annual Dinner held in February, contributed a portion of the funds to be raised in 2011.
  Judge “Bud” DeSilva was a strong advocate of community involvement, and the chamber President, Debbie Mulvania noted that they could think of no better place to honor his memory than a library that serves the entire community of LeClaire. Josie DeSilva agreed that her late husband would have been pleased with the donation.

In the photo: Kathy Morency (Friend of the Library), Josie DeSilva, and chamber representatives” Debbie Mulvania, Steve Suiter, and Terri Applegate.)

• Ascentra Credit Union receives Ascentra Credit Union was recently honored with a Diamond Award, which recognizes outstanding marketing and business development achievements in the credit union industry. The award was presented by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Marketing and Business Development Council, a national network comprised of nearly 1,000 credit union marketing and business development professionals. Awards are given in each of 33 categories ranging from advertising to community events and beyond. . For more information on the Diamond Awards or to view the entire list of winners, go to www.cunamarketingcouncil.org. Congratulations!!
   

• BUY CHAMBER BUCKS NOW!
  $10 LeClaire Chamber Bucks Certificates Now Available
  plus $.50 Shipping and Handling
  They can be used at any LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Business and make Great Gifts!

  DOWNLOAD INFORMATION IN ADOBE PDF
  

  

  $10 Certificates Now Available
  plus $.50 Shipping and Handling
  Great Gifts!
  LeClaire Chamber Bucks can only be accepted by
  LeClaire Chamber Members.
   

• FYI - TUG FEST is looking for old photos, videos and shirts from past Tug Fest events. To celebrate our 25th anniversary we are creating a 25th anniversary edition DVD. Email: Angiemapes@gmail.com or call 563-289-3946.
   

• LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Announces 2011 Board of Directors:
  
  Presented during its Annual Dinner of its general membership on January 29th, the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce announced its Board of Directors and officers for 2011. They are as follows: President, Debbie Mulvania (First Central State Bank); Vice President, Steve Suiter (Great River Financial Services); Treasurer, Mike Clingingsmith (Pleasant Valley Community School District); Secretary, Terri Applegate (Leclaire Antiques & Appraisals); and serving as directors: Lane Bleeker (LeClaire Baptist Church); Dayle Hall (Moline Dispatch); Jim Huiskamp (Blackhawk Bank & Trust); Tim Lane (Edward Jones Investments); Angie Mapes (Kiddie Karrasel Academy); Vern Spring (Retired Mayor); and Donna Walley (Aunt Hattie’s Fanciful Emporium).
  
  Membership in the LeClaire Chamber is open to any citizen or business serving the greater LeClaire region. Application can be made online at: www.LeClaireChamber.com
   

• LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Announces 2010 Annual Awards at Annual Dinner, January 29, 2011:
  
  Each year, the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce recognizes the achievements of businesses and individuals who best represent the characteristics that contribute to the growth and unique identity of its community.
  
  The awards for 2010 recognize leadership in the combined business and public sector; strong entrepreneurial spirit; exceptional customer service; and commitment to retaining an historic character in building design.
  
  The “Brick & Mortar Award” recognizes renovation or new construction projects that demonstrate an investment in the future growth of LeClaire, as well as features a design that maintains the unique character of our historic Mississippi River town. This year’s recipient was the “Mississippi River Distilling Company” which built a new facility on Hwy 67/ Cody Road, in LeClaire.
  
  2010 Volunteer of the Year award recognizes a volunteer about whom the words “tireless . . . selfless… for the greater good of the community” would describe their work and spirit. Eleven individuals were nominated, a testament to the strength of volunteerism in the community, according to Debbie Mulvania, Chamber President. The recipient of this year’s award was actually two people: Angie Mapes, who serves as the President of TugFest Iowa, and multiple community boards; and Terri Applegate, who serves on the Chamber board, the city’s Planning & Zoning board, and other community boards.
  
  The “Golden Pineapple Award” uses the universal symbol of welcome and hospitality to connote the spirit of the business or individual who demonstrates a consistently high level of service and hospitality to visitors, customers, or clients. This year’s recipient is Rich Henning, of Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor, in LeClaire.
  
  Entrepreneur of the Year 2010 recognizes an individual who pursued, or assumed the risk of, either a business expansion or an entirely new business project in our community. The risk may have been in the business concept, the complexity of its operations, or the novelty to the greater LeClaire area. The recipient of this award, for 2010, was the Mississippi River Distilling Company which opened in December,2010, on Cody Road in downtown LeClaire.
  
  
  
  2010 Edward deSilva Community Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has exhibited strong involvement in both the Chamber and the community. Each nominee demonstrated selfless leadership, high motivation, and “leadership in action.”
  
  The Chamber Board of Directors renamed its leadership award this year in honor of the late Judge Edward deSilva,Jr. “Bud” as he was affectionately called, considered public service an honor, and served not only as a judge for the Iowa 7th District Court from which he retired in 1999, but also served as President of the Scott County Bar Association, The Outing Club, and the Scott County Board of Health.
  
  Earlier in his career, Judge deSilva served as general counsel for the City of LeClaire, and with a small group of local business people, founded the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce. He served as its first President.
  
  The recipient of the 2010 Edward deSilva Community Leadership Award is Debbie Mulvania, who is serving her second term as President of the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce; currently serves as Treasurer of the City of LeClaire’s Board on Tourism, and volunteers extensively in the community. Debbie is a Vice President with First Central State Bank, at the LeClaire branch.
  
  
   

• VOTE TODAY! Did you hear the news? - - -LeClaire's own American Pickers have made the Reality TV Rocks Awards Ballot. They have made it past round #1 and now this vote is for the winners of the Award. Please go VOTE for the American Pickers CLICK HERE 
   

• PLEASE HELP: Please take a few moments and complete a brief anonymous survey regarding your observations of community leadership in LeClaire. The chamber has given its support to a research project of which this online survey is an important component. You need not live, nor work in LeClaire to respond, and. . . your response would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!! http://www.csiel.com/Community_Survey.html
   

• Keith & Co. has expanded its services. . .they report that “We have just added a pad printing machine to our business. We will now be able to print on cups, glasses, pens, and all kinds of promotional products.” Consider this chamber member as you plan your 2011 marketing and advertising campaigns!
   

• Comfort Inn offers special discount through 4/31/2011 For all your families and friends coming to LeClaire and the general area, Comfort Inn & Suites is offering a 1 night stay for ONLY $59.99. Enjoy an indoor pool & Hot Tub and free continental Breakfast. For the coupon go to First Central Bank or Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium. You must have a coupon to get the special rate. These coupons are good until 4/31/11.
   

• Sparrow to Homeland, a collection of prose and poetry by the LeClaire Writers, a local area writers group, was released last week by 918studio. The collection is sold as a fundraiser for the Friends of the LeClaire Community Library and is available at the library, LeClaire Antiques & Appraisals, Artswork, Aunt Hattie’s, and Amazon.com. The group meets the third Tuesday of each month, at 6pm, in the LeClaire Community Library. Proceeds from book will support the “Friends” efforts to raise $15,000 towards a matching grant awarded for youth programming/materials and equipment.
   

• Friday, December 17th at 10AM The Mississippi River Distilling Company at 303 North Cody Road LeClaire, IA  opened for business!  http://www.mrdistilling.com/
  Photos of Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Click to view a larger image.
  
  
   

• Antique Archaeology was awarded the Renew Rural Iowa’s December Entrepreneur of the Month award, given by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. In doing so, it honored the company for recognizing “the hidden potential of America’s resources.” The Renew Rural Iowa program “helps new and existing rural Iowa businesses grow and develop to achieve their best financial success (QCTimes, 12/16/2010).
  www.antiquearchaeology.com
   

• BUY CHAMBER BUCKS NOW!
  $10 LeClaire Chamber Bucks Certificates Now Available
  plus $.50 Shipping and Handling
  They can be used at any LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Business and make Great Gifts!

  DOWNLOAD INFORMATION IN ADOBE PDF
  

  

  $10 Certificates Now Available
  plus $.50 Shipping and Handling
  Great Gifts!
  LeClaire Chamber Bucks can only be accepted by
  LeClaire Chamber Members.

  Information about Chamber Bucks for Chamber Members:
   We anticipate an increase in purchases, both at our financial institutions, and on-line over the next few weeks and have already had purchases from out-of-state!
  
  Please download the attached information so that your business is prepared to redeem the certificates.
  
  Summary:
  
  1. Chamber Bucks are issued only as $10 certificates.
  
  2. Treat them as you would an ordinary deposit of a personal check, to your local LeClaire bank.
  
  3. Please provide change, as necessary.
  
  4. Please advise your employees, and consider posting information near cash registers.
  
  5. Chamber Bucks are valid for one year from the date of purchase (noted on the face of the certificate).
  
  Any questions, please contact us at LeClaireChamber@yahoo.com
   

• Volunteer to serve on the LeClaire Community Library Board of Trustees and share your thoughts, energy and commitment to the growth of this community asset. Residents with diverse experience, interests, and abilities are encouraged to contact Terri Applegate, Library Trustee., at 289-2525 (LeClaire Antiques and Appraisals) for more information.
   

• Contribute to the LeClaire Dog Shelter
  and help pets waiting to be retrieved by their families
  Last year, the downtown businesses launched a fundraising drive to replace the less comfortable facility located near I-80 and the city’s public works building. It was un-air-conditioned, un-heated, and without a floor drain. Today, community volunteers are donating time to construct the new quarters, at 306 S. Cody Road, and Summit Concrete has donated use of cement forms.
  
  If you would like to contribute to the fundraising effort, donations can be sent payable to “LeClaire Dog Shelter – City of LeClaire” and to PO Box 17, LeClaire IA 52753.
  
  We’re certain that as the weather grows harsh, our lost pets will appreciate the more comfortable, and more easily accessible surroundings while they await rescue by their families!
   

• NEW! LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Members have the opportunity to place an ad on the Home page of www.leclairechamber.com. Click here for details...
   

• The Buffalo Bill Museum now offers hand-held audio tours of the Lone Star - something new for you to check out in the River Pilots' Pier building.
   
• Apartments for rent?, Commercial property for rent?
  
  If you own residential rental property (apartment/condo only) or commercial property that is available for rent or purchase in the greater LeClaire region , please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce with a property description and rental/purchase (commercial for-purchase only) costs. As a service to the community, we would like to have the information available, yet depend on you for the most up-to-date information. Contact information, location of the property, and a direct referral to you will be provided to inquiries.

“Bits and Pieces” is available electronically on the city’s website www.leclaireiowa.gov or can be mailed to your home/business. Please contact City Hall (563-289-4242) to be added to the mailing list.

CITY VOLUNTEER SERVICE FOR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS The LeClaire Board of Adjustment, the LeClaire Tourism Board, LeClaire Planning & Zoning Commission, Parks, Levee, and Rec Boards, and the LeClaire Library Board of Trustees are looking for new members. Anyone wishing to be considered for volunteer service on any of these Committees must submit a completed application form that may be obtained from City Hall during regular business hours, or can be obtained on the City’s website. Take an interest, volunteer, and get involved in your City’s future.

LeClaire Civic Center is available for rent! Hold your event at this convenient downtown LeClaire location offering full kitchen facilities, adjacent parking, etc. . . everything you need for a graduation party, baby shower, or other gathering. Contact Vicky at 579-4126 for more details. Full day rentals are $125; half day rentals are $75; and gatherings serving alcohol must provide a certificate of insurance (which Vicky will explain).

LeClaire has been featured in an Iowa State University publication highlighting its experiences during “Phase One” of its downtown development, as well as the reasons that the community continues to attract attention regarding its development. The full article appears on pages 6-7 of this link: (Past Chamber President Rick Reed, whose doctoral research will be investigating the “hows and whys” of LeClaire’s past success, is quoted in the article) http://www.extension.iastate.edu/communities/newsletter/vol4issue1.pdf

Supporting the LeClaire Community Library: Want to support the library, at no cost? - - Consider donating used printer ink cartridges. . . . and gently used books! Did you know?. . . you can donate used toner cartridges to the library as well as your gently-used books and videos!! The cartridges support office supply purchases; and your books, magazines and videos can be added to the library’s collection or raise funds through the Friends of the Library book sales! The next major book sale is in May during Spring Market Days.

Congratulations to our LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Members who were voted in the top 3 of the following categories of the River City Reader Online Reader Survey - Best of the Quad Cities - Spring 2010 Edition:

• Best Food & Dining Restaurant:
  The Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits
   
• Best New Restaurant (opened in 2009):
  Crane & Pelican Cafe
   
• Best Fine Dining:
  The Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits
   
• Best Pizza:
  • Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor
  • Wise Guys Pizza & More
     
• Best Kid-friendly Menu:
  Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor
   
• Best Unelected local public servant
  Rich Henning of Happy Joe's in LeClaire

Support your Local LeClaire Economy with the "3/50 Project". Learn More...

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY for anyone who is interested in starting their own COFFEEHOUSE within the Quad City area! This opportunity is complete with consultation, training, equipment, inventory, branding, website, and reputation! This is a very low start-up cost! If you have an interest in learning more and want to discuss the options, contact Tonya at 563-320-0405 or email: tonya.todd@mchsi.com Serious Inquiries only.

NEW! Legislation Update Sources - Legislator Links The LeClaire Chamber of Commerce encourages its members, and the community, to be current on proposed legislation that may affect our local economy and businesses. Towards that end, we are providing a number of websites , as well as email contact information for our legislators.

Welcome Packets:    Once a month, the Chamber distributes “Welcome Packets” to new residents in the community (15-25 per month).   Consider taking advantage of this Chamber service, and provide 50+ copies of your business brochure or business card for inclusion!  We will contact you when the supply needs replenishing; and remember, seasonal/holiday inserts are welcome!

Have an announcement for our  weekly email? - - - Chamber members can include announcements in this email, at no charge! Simply send your announcement to the Chamber’s email address (LeClaireChamber@yahoo.com) by the Thursday of that week. Another benefit of membership in the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce!

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