Chelan, Washington – The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors has decided to coordinate a community wide program to welcome Tri-athletes to Lake Chelan regardless of the status of the triathlons. 

On June 21st the Board said no to an agreement with World Endurance Sports to provide staffing and support for the My First, My Next and Half Ironman Triathlons scheduled between July 8 and July 19, 2006.  Since June 21st the Chamber Board and staff have been investigating options to provide a good experience for the people visiting the Lake Chelan area for the triathlons.  Dan Hodge, Executive Director, Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce said “The Chamber Board is concerned about the reaction of participants when they find out the events organized by World Endurance Sports may not happen.   The Chamber will be coordinating a community wide program to welcome the Tri-athletes to the Lake Chelan community.” 

The Chamber is organizing a special ‘Lake Chelan Fun Book’ for registered participants that will include special discounts for stores, restaurants and attractions.  There will also be information on informal self-directed bike rides that that go along the north shore and south shore of Lake Chelan.  The Chamber will be working with local bike groups to showcase the Echo Valley Mountain bike trails for the Tri-athletes.    The Chamber is planning a fun run for July 8th and July 15th if the World Endurance Sports triathlons do not occur on those dates.

The Chamber will be working to contact Triathlon participants to inform them of the status of the triathlon and what the community is doing to provide interesting activities.   There are several activities in Lake Chelan in mid July including First Friday – July 7th, Family Fest – July 8th, Bach Fest July 8th through 15th, the Riverwalk Concert with Alice Stuart – July 21st and Chelan Rodeo July 21st and 22nd.

The Chamber is posting information regarding the status of the Triathlons on the Chamber website www.lakechelan.com.  If people are interested in helping plan and organize the Triathlon events or have questions they can contact Dan or Jaye at the Chamber office, 509-682-3503.

Dan Hodge resigns to achieve better balance

Chelan, Washington – Dan Hodge, Executive Director, Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce announced he is leaving the Chamber effective September 15, 2006.  He has served as the Executive Director for the Chamber since late 2003.  Dan will be taking time to achieve a better life balance and spend more time with his family.

Dan said, “The decision to resign was based on my need to focus more attention on an appropriate balance for my life.  I have really enjoyed working with the Chamber Board, Chamber staff, Chamber members and the Lake Chelan community.”

Dan was hired in September 2003 and worked part-time through the end of 2003.  He started full-time in January 2004.  Prior to starting at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce he had worked for Comcast Cable.  In January 2003 he accepted a severance package, which enabled him to retire to spend more time in Chelan.  During 2003 he decided to move permanently to their vacation home at Lake Chelan.  Dan and his wife Mary will be staying at their home in Chelan except for some travel to spend time with family and friends.

The Chamber Board will be posting the Executive Director position by early July and plan to hire a new Executive Director by September 1st.  Questions or inquiries can be directed to Dan Hodge, at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce on 509-682-3503.