Chambers of Commerce are generally known across the nation as being local organizations comprised of business owners and professionals who advocate on behalf of their business community.
The mission of the Clearfield Chamber of Commerce isn’t any different. In fact, its sole commitment is to promote and enhance the Clearfield area’s economy, business environment, quality of life and community pride – now and in the future.
Presently, the Chamber has approximately 300 members and brought together professionals from very diverse business backgrounds from automotive and construction to education, finance and legal to food and beverage.
The Chamber provides certain benefits, such as its Web site directory, weekly reminders, quarterly newsletters and brochure racks; contacts, networking and referrals; and business advocacy and troubleshooting.
Other benefits include consumer relations, health insurance, gift certificates, member-to-member discount cards, member referral discounts and grand opening, ribbon-cutting and after-hours events.
The Chamber also hosts a number of events each year – like the Clearfield Uncorked and Halloween Howl beer/wine walks – to bring businesses and the community together in the downtown district.
While the primary goal of the Chamber is to promote local businesses, Executive Director Kim Bloom said its members were equally focused this past year on the growth of its Exploring program.
According to information from the Exploring Web site, the program was developed by the Boy Scouts of America and is designed to help eighth-grade students make informed decisions about their future by exploring different career opportunities.
In 2017 the Chamber partnered with local businesses and launched the program at the Clearfield Area Junior-Senior High School. This year it was successfully expanded and introduced to students at the Curwensville Area High School.
The overall goal is to educate students on local opportunities and to keep them here upon their graduation. However, it’s not only beneficial to the students who are learning about various career fields, but also to business leaders trying to grow their workforce.
While “the face” of the Chamber has changed over the years, Bloom said locally its goal will be the same in 2019: promote local businesses. She did mention the staff keeps up with the ever-changing technological world and adopts the best marketing.
Also, in the upcoming-year, Bloom said there will be a full slate of events, which include: 14 Days of Valentine’s Day, Feb. 1-14; Chamber Business & Employment Expo, Feb. 23, Curwensville Area High School Fairman Center; Clearfield Uncorked Beer & Wine Walk, March 22; Casino Night, April 6; Annual Chamber Banquet, Oct. 16; Halloween Howl Beer & Wine Walk, Oct. 25; and Cash for Christmas, Dec. 6.