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Contacts

Client: White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

Project Type: Community Technology + Public Engagement

Why This Mattered

White Lake isn’t just a destination — it’s home.

For locals, it’s part of daily life. For visitors, it’s a favorite getaway. For former residents, it’s a place they still feel connected to long after they’ve moved away. The Chamber wanted to create a way for people to experience White Lake in real time, year-round — not just through photos, but through a live view they could return to again and again.

The goal wasn’t just to install a camera. It was to create a digital window into the community.

When the original placement plan fell through, the project risked stalling. Without the right location, the view wouldn’t deliver the experience people expected — and without a sustainable setup, it wouldn’t last long-term.

The question became: How do we make this work — and make it even better than originally planned?

The Challenge

The Chamber had a vision for the camera’s placement, but when that option became unavailable, the project needed a new direction.

The new solution had to meet multiple needs:

  • Provide a compelling, scenic, recognizable view of White Lake

  • Be structurally and technically practical

  • Offer reliable connectivity and power

  • Remain sustainable long-term

It wasn’t just about finding a location — it was about finding the right one.

How CatchMark Helped

Instead of letting the project lose momentum, CatchMark stepped in with an alternative solution — one that ultimately delivered an even stronger outcome for the community.

1. Reframing the Opportunity

When the initial plan fell through, our team proactively identified a new location that offered both technical feasibility and a dynamic lake view. Rather than seeing the setback as a barrier, we treated it as an opportunity to improve the final result.

2. Visualizing the View Before Installation

To support confident decision-making, CatchMark captured and shared sample drone footage from the proposed location. This allowed the Chamber to see the exact perspective, framing, and experience the camera would provide before committing.

This step reduced uncertainty and ensured alignment before installation.

3. Clear Communication & Follow-Through

Throughout the project, our team prioritized transparency and responsiveness. The Chamber always knew:

  • Where the project stood

  • What the next step was

  • When timelines shifted — and why

Strong communication ensured trust remained high, even when adjustments were needed.

4. Building a Sustainable Partnership

The final installation was made possible through strong community collaboration:

  • Shoreline Roofing & Gutters and Shoreline Restoration & Construction supported the effort

  • Shoreline Roofing provided a building location to host the camera

  • CatchMark committed to donating ongoing monthly maintenance

This ensured the camera would remain a reliable, long-term community resource — not a short-term feature.

Results & Community Impact

The White Lake Community Camera is now live — and it has quickly become one of the most visited features on the Chamber’s website.

High Engagement

  • The camera page consistently ranks among the top-viewed pages.

  • Social media snapshots from the live feed are frequently shared by the community.

Everyday Practical Value

  • Locals use it to check weather and lake conditions.

  • Businesses and residents share sunrise and sunset moments online.

Emotional Connection

The most meaningful impact goes beyond metrics.

The Chamber regularly hears from:

  • Former residents who tune in because they miss home

  • Visitors planning trips who want a preview of the lake

  • Community members watching parades and Cruz’In when they can’t attend in person

The camera doesn’t just show the lake — it sustains connection.

Key Outcomes

  • Community camera successfully installed in an ideal White Lake location

  • Confident decision-making supported by drone visualization

  • High and consistent website engagement

  • Increased community connection for locals, visitors, and former residents

  • Expanded accessibility for events and traditions

  • Sustainable long-term solution through sponsorship and donated maintenance

Why This Matters

Technology should create connection — not just functionality.

By helping the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau navigate an unexpected obstacle and move forward with a stronger solution, CatchMark helped create a digital gathering place for the community.

Today, the White Lake Community Camera allows people to:

  • Check the weather

  • Share a moment

  • Watch a parade

  • Feel a little less homesick

  • Stay connected to a place they love

And that’s what meaningful community technology looks like — not just installing equipment, but building something people return to.

See the White Lake Community Camera live here.