Leland’s beloved community traditions and beautification operations will need financial support now and well into the future.

That’s the message now that the Leland Chamber of Commerce has started the process of splitting into two independent nonprofit organizations starting in January 2027.

The new structure creates one organization dedicated to supporting businesses (the Leland Business Association) and another (the Leland Community Improvement Association) focused exclusively on preserving Leland’s community traditions and certain beautification efforts.

All of this work had fallen to the chamber in recent years, with many members stretched thin trying to run their own businesses while simultaneously organizing and running community events. The new structure will allow the two new organizations to better focus on separate but equally important goals within the community.

Going forward, while the LBA will focus purely on supporting its business members, the LCIA will be tasked with organizing and implementing the July 3 fireworks, Fourth of July parade, holiday lights, seasonal flowers and more. But they can’t do it alone.

“These things all cost money, and that’s just the reality of it,” Caitlin Watkins, who will lead the new LCIA, tells The Ticker. “We need donations to keep those traditions alive.”

Many people for years (particularly summer residents) have incorrectly assumed that these initiatives are covered by tax dollars, says Watkins and Maggie Mielczarek, a member of the chamber leadership team. But that’s not the case.

“The biggest thing we need to drive home is that these things are not just handed to the community,” Mielczarek tells The Ticker. “It’s always been provided through fundraising.”

The LCIA will need at least $33,000 annually to cover the traditions and beautification projects. Mielczarek and Watkins hope the summer community joins full-time residents in donating to these initiatives.

“(We hope to get support) from this people who are just here for a couple months out of the year who take advantage and appreciate all these little things that we're doing,” Mielczarek says.

This support could become especially critical if the long-running Leland Wine & Food Festival (which was a major fundraiser for years) continues to produce dwindling returns. Increased operating costs, reduced attendance and location change have all resulted in much less revenue in recent years.

“I'm not sure what the future of the Leland Food and Wine Festival is, but I want to make sure that we've got the groundwork set for alternative sources of funding, whether those are donations and potentially grants, because we have not been able to depend in recent years, and looks like we might need to go a different route,” Watkins says. “I’m assuming no funding from it.”

But it’s not all about money. The LCIA will also need people to join its board and various committees (or to volunteer at the events) to make everything happen.

“We need people helping at the event, people who are willing to put in the time, putting in the permits and making sure the insurance is all filled out,” Watkins says. “We need manpower.”

The Chamber is currently recruiting business owners to serve on the inaugural Board of the Leland Business Association. At the same time, Watkins is seeking community members interested in serving on the founding Board of Directors for the Leland Community Improvement Association. Current Chamber leaders Jennifer Collins, owner of Two Fish; Maggie Mielczarek, owner of Leland Gal; and community volunteer Barbara Burkhardt will support the transition to new leadership.

To become involved with the LBA, email here. receive updates or to volunteer with the LCIA, sign up here.

Photo: L-R, Collins, Mielczarek, Watkins, Burkhardt