FAIRFIELD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - Chamber News

FAIRFIELD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Watch the Iowa Business Council Zoom - Economic Dashboard for Iowa

4/9/2021

The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Iowa Business Council hosted a Zoom Learning Series on Wednesday, April 7th. Joe Murphy, Executive Director of the Iowa Business Council provided an economic dashboard review of Iowa’s standing compared to the rest of the country.

This is an opportunity for local community leaders and the general public to learn about Iowa’s challenges and opportunities, as well as learn about the state’s economy as we emerge from the pandemic.

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose 22 members are the chief decision makers of the state's largest employers. Since its establishment in 1985, the Council has worked to elevate Iowa's economy through global thought leadership, research, and advocacy. Ultimately, the Iowa Business Council's mission is to serve as a catalyst for economic vitality.

Why the Pandemic Could Make Us Happier People

4/7/2021

Why the Pandemic Could Make Us Happier People
A new narrative of happiness is emerging

Who and what will we make time for?
How will we realign ourselves with one another?
What should our new lives look like?

What Does it Mean to Be Happy?
Nurturing Ourselves and our Relationships during Time of Plague
This month’s article looks in detail at how being isolated can open doors to self-exploration and a deeper understanding of how to make conscious choices for healthier outcomes.

Hello,
We think it’s fair to say that this past year has been a time of unprecedented change, of sickness and social disruption, economic hardship and political tumult.
Most of us have felt the lack of family and social connection, especially acute for those with loved ones in hospitals and nursing homes who could not be visited.

There has been so much loss and pain for so many during this pandemic that in some ways how we relate to other people has fundamentally changed.
On the other hand, through radical transformation strengths can also emerge.

For our April blog, Jan and I decided to explore how people are finding meaning and mission in their lives and even an enhanced sense of wellbeing and happiness, often while working from home.

Our article from Psychology Today holds out the hope that we might discover silver linings in this time of disease and dislocation: Why this Pandemic Might Make Us Happier People.

This discussion has also helped us recognize a shift in our own priorities and preferences about who we choose to communicate and interact with. Who and what will we make time for? How will we realign ourselves with one another? What should our new lives look like?

Maybe we can find a new sense of meaning and connection in our isolation.

And, if we look deep into our hearts, we might also find love that unites and nurtures us all.

Enjoy! Diana and Jan

Why the Pandemic Could Make Us Happier People

Americans are considered to be a generally happy people, both among themselves and by foreigners, but the story of happiness in this country is in fact not an especially pretty one.

In conjunction with our achievement- and money-oriented society that is often the source of what Alain de Botton called “status anxiety,” the belief that we are a chosen people and a shining example to others around the world to follow have set too high of a bar of happiness for most individuals to actually realize.

Self-doubt, insecurity, and uncertainty have been tightly woven into the narrative of happiness, a major source of frustration for those seeking to be happier people.

The coronavirus pandemic is a terrible thing, of course, but it has presented us with a singular opportunity to rewrite the story of happiness. Our priorities have realigned, in the process laying a foundation for a happier future, both individually and collectively.

We have become less acquisitional and consumptive, a very good thing given the detrimental role that the endless pursuit of stuff has played in our lives.

We’re more appreciative and grateful for what we have and less concerned for what we desire.

OUR BLOG SUPPORTS YOU

Our Trauma Talk Blog offers relevant and practical advice, tools,

and articles from experts that can help all of us find a new balance -- a place inside that restores well-being, that is nourishing, calm, and compassionate in these trying times.

Trauma is Real.

But it can be Integrated.

It can be Transformed.

It can become part of our
New Beginning.

He holds a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Minnesota and is the author of many books. Larry can be reached at lsamuel19@yahoo.com

About the Author

Lawrence R. Samuel, Ph.D., is the founder of AmeriCulture, a Miami-and New York City-based consultancy dedicated to translating the emerging cultural landscape into opportunities.

Hello and thanks for being here!
I have dedicated my life and my work to understanding trauma, to supporting those who have struggled with its often debilitating effects and to helping everyone – including myself find a way to make peace with our past, to move forward by making meaning out of even our most traumatic experiences.

Let me introduce my good friend, Jan, our dedicated business partner, podcast interview host, writer and editor. We have been friends for 25 years. We have worked together professionally in business.
And we have worked together as volunteers, in our role as nationally certified mental health educators.

Trauma Talk Blog

Our Conversations

Trauma Talk Podcast

Diana's eBook - FREE!
Making Meaning out of Trauma

Sign up to receive our Podcast, Blog and Seminar info and receive Diana's eBook as her gift!

Yes! I want the eBook

Please stay safe and healthy!
Diana and Jan

Highlights from E-News for Small Business Issue 2021-05

4/5/2021

IRS provides guidance for employers claiming the Employee Retention Credit for first two quarters of 2021

The Internal Revenue Service issued guidance for employers claiming the Employee Retention Credit under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) modified by the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 (Relief Act).

To review these changes, see Notice 2021-23.

Additional coronavirus relief information for businesses is available on IRS.gov.

Free workshop helps small business owners understand and meet tax obligations

The Small Business Virtual Tax Workshop helps educate small business owners about their taxes. It’s free and available online 24/7.

The updated chapters contain direct links to more specific topics within each lesson, like chapters in a book. Viewers can choose the lessons that apply to their small business. They can also pause and bookmark lessons so they can review information later.

IRS urges employers to take advantage of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit

Giving someone a work opportunity may translate into a business tax credit for you and greater stability for a family. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to employers for hiring individuals from certain targeted groups who have consistently faced significant barriers to employment.

Job Opening - Executive Director of The Lord's Cupboard of Jefferson County

4/2/2021

Job Opening:
Executive Director of The Lord's Cupboard of Jefferson County
(30 hours per week)

~ Applications are due Monday, April 12, 4:00pm at The Lord's Cupboard ~

The mission statement and goal for The Lord's Cupboard of Jefferson County, Iowa is to help fight hunger by supplying emergency food assistance to those in need.

We are looking for an experienced Executive Director to oversee all operations, functions, and activities. The successful candidate will be the face of the organization, responsible for giving strategic direction and for implementing and communicating high quality vision and service. An excellent candidate is one with the ability to lead with autonomy and work cooperatively with a governing board of directors. You will be the only paid employee of this 501(c)(3) organization leading a cadre of dedicated volunteers. The successful candidate must have great communication skills and take a holistic approach in managing the food pantry's operations. The goal is to manage and lead every aspect of the organization toward the realization of its mission.

Please read both documents below to ensure you are qualified before applying.

PDF Position Details

PDF Application

Business After Hours - Perfect View Window Cleaning

4/1/2021

Business After Hours - Perfect View Window Cleaning
Thursday, April 22nd, 2021
4:30pm - 6:30pm

Join us for Business After Hours on Thursday, April 22nd from 4:30pm - 6:30pm! This month for Business After Hours, Perfect View Window Cleaning will be doing a demonstration of their window cleaning services at the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce office. The demonstration will begin at 5:20pm. This is primarily an outdoor event and masks are encouraged.

Attend Business After Hours and meet Andy Rodeffer and Doug Slobodnik with Perfect View Window Cleaning! With over 20 years of experience, they professionally handle jobs ranging from weekly maintenance on commercial accounts to seasonal work on homes and offices.

Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce is located at 204 W. Broadway Avenue in Fairfield.

The Chamber Business After Hours is a free, monthly* networking event open to Chamber Members, their guests and the general public. If you are interested in hosting a Business After Hours, please contact the Chamber at 641-472-2111 or by email at Info@FairfieldIowa.com.

*Due to COVID-19, Business After Hours has not been a reoccurring monthly event. Please contact the Chamber for more information.

Zoom Learning Series - Iowa Business Council Economic Dashboard for Iowa

3/31/2021

Join the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce for a Zoom Learning Series event with the Iowa Business Council on Wednesday, April 7th, 2021 at noon via Zoom. Joe Murphy, Executive Director of the Iowa Business Council will provide an economic dashboard review of Iowa’s standing compared to the rest of the country.

This is an opportunity for local community leaders and the general public to learn about Iowa’s challenges and opportunities, as well as have a conversation about the state’s economy as we emerge from the pandemic.

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose 22 members are the chief decision makers of the state's largest employers. Since its establishment in 1985, the Council has worked to elevate Iowa's economy through global thought leadership, research, and advocacy. Ultimately, the Iowa Business Council's mission is to serve as a catalyst for economic vitality.

Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce presents
The Iowa Business Council Economic Dashboard for Iowa
Wednesday, April 7
12:00pm – 1:00pm

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82464125880?pwd=NVhMOFlGMFJ1S2paQTVoSG81RnYxZz09

Meeting ID: 824 6412 5880
Passcode: 829529

One tap mobile +13126266799,,82464125880#,,,,*829529# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (ChicagoMeeting ID: 824 6412 5880
Passcode: 829529
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbeFXJSI4E

Questions or comments can be directed to:
Darien Sloat, CEO, Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce
Phone 641-472-2111
Email Ceo@FairfieldIowa.com

NEW City of Fairfield Map Now Available

3/23/2021

Stop in at the Chamber office and pick up your copy of the NEW City of Fairfield map!

Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce
Open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
204 W. Broadway Ave in Fairfield

Call 641-472-2111 or send an email to Info@FairfieldIowa.com for more info

This photo was taken using the portable photo box from the Photo Box Initiative with America's SBDC Iowa! Fairfield's local retailers are welcome to use the photo box free of charge for their digital marketing needs. Click here for more information.

Vaccine Clinic - March 27th & 28th in Fairfield

3/22/2021

VACCINE CLINIC SET FOR MARCH 27th & 28th IN FAIRFIELD

(FAIRFIELD, IA) Over 1100 Pfizer vaccines have been allocated for an upcoming COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Fairfield.

Working in conjunction with the Jefferson County Health Center and the Jefferson County Public Health, NuCara Pharmacy in Fairfield is excited to coordinate the largest clinic to date in the county.

"We are happy to be part of the Federal Pharmacy Program and help bring more vaccines to the community. It has been a slow process so far, but we are thrilled to be able to vaccinate so many on March 27th and March 28th,” says Murphye Zane, PharmD, manager of NuCara Pharmacy.

To make the process as seamless as possible, eligible Iowans are asked to make an appointment by visiting https://bit.ly/2NrQDff. The clinic will be taking place at the Jefferson County Health Center. Patients are asked to enter in the McCreery Cancer Center entrance located on the southeast side of the hospital.

Marni Adam, Certified Pharmacy Technician at NuCara, has been recently trained to administer vaccines. Adam says, "We are excited and proud to continue to partner with our community in offering hope for brighter days without fear."

Deb Wood, Certified Pharmacy Technician at NuCara Pharmacy is also ready to help vaccinate her community and says, "Vaccinating in the first days and weeks has taught us a lot, and we are excited to take the next steps in this process of moving forward."

Iowans wondering if they are currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to visit https://vaccinate.iowa.gov/eligibility/ to review eligibility requirements. Those individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days or who have received other vaccinations in the last two weeks may not be eligible to receive this vaccine. Recipients must be available for a second does on April 17th or 18th.

Because the vaccine is administered in the upper arm, patients are being asked to please dress accordingly (or consider dressing in layers to allow staff to easily access the upper arm). Although the vaccine is free, patients still need to bring their insurance card with them to the appointment.

Iowa Department of Human Rights Newsletter

3/19/2021

The Iowa Department of Human Rights (DHR) brings strength to Iowa's rich heritage. Our three divisions - Community Action Agencies, Community Advocacy and Services, and Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning - work to reduce cultural, social, and economic barriers to opportunities for Iowans to succeed.

DHR Accepting Applications from Youth

The Iowa Department of Human Rights is accepting applications for the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council (SIYAC) and Iowa Youth Congress (IYC) for the 2021-2022 membership term. There is no cost to apply or participate. Applications are due June 4.

State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council (SIYAC)

The State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council (SIYAC) is comprised of 21 youth members from across Iowa between the ages of 14-20. SIYAC is a statutory council that provides input to the Governor, legislature, and communities about important issues that affect youth.
To learn more: https://humanrights.iowa.gov/cas/siyac
To apply: https://forms.gle/CvhWH5TBTezxXJKX6
Letter of recommendation: https://forms.gle/9a2wkxmsRmuLJynH9

"The Iowa Department of Human Rights is currently looking for passionate, motivated, and
dedicated youth from across Iowa to apply for appointment to SIYAC. Youth participation in all levels of government can be a powerful way to be part of the decision-making process." Read full article by Kunal.

Iowa Youth Congress

The Iowa Youth Congress program provides an opportunity for a diverse group of up to 100 Iowa high school-aged youth to learn about the legislative process, leadership skills, civic engagement, and advocacy.
To learn more about IYC: https://humanrights.iowa.gov/iowa-youth-congress
To apply: https://forms.gle/TAt7hh7wVbqyN52y8

Resources for victims of crime or discrimination

With the increase in reports of racially motivated crime and discrimination nationally, it is important to know that there are resources and supports available. The stressful experience of crime, mistreatment, and discrimination can cause psychological, emotional, and physical effects. It affects individuals in different ways, whether it happens to you or someone in your community. Resources are available to help you navigate and receive services.

Get medical help as necessary.
Anyone experiencing a hate crime or or other violent crimes should call the police and 911 as soon as possible.
FBI: After reporting to the local police, if you have information concerning the commission of violent acts or threats due to race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or other protected class, contact your local FBI field office. You can find a list of field offices at https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices. FBI online tip form: https://tips.fbi.gov/.
Coping with Crime Victimization and additional resources (FBI)
U.S. Department of Justice: If you believe you are a victim of discrimination based on race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or other protected classes, you can find information about how to file a complaint at https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/submit-complaint. Complaints of employment discrimination can be filed with the EEOC at https://www.eeoc.gov/filing-charge-discrimination. You can also contact the Civil

Rights Division at toll-free 855-856-1247 or 202-514-3827. In addition, the Division provides resources at https://www.ada.gov (disability-related topics) and https://www.lep.gov (language access information).

Iowa Civil Rights Commission: The Iowa Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, credit, public, accommodations, and education. Discrimination, or different treatment, is illegal if based on race, color, creed, national original, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, age, and credit. For more information or to file a complaint, you may contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission at icrc@iowa.gov or call 1-800-457-4416.
National Alliance on Mental Illness( NAMI) Identity and Cultural Dimensions

Iowa Utilities Board Working with 211 to resolve dialing

The Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) and 211 Iowa are partnering to address concerns that some Iowa residents are experiencing difficulty in connecting with 211 Iowa services. 211 Iowa is a free, comprehensive information and referral system linking Iowa residents to health and human service programs, community services, disaster services and governmental programs. The 211 service is also providing 211 Vaccine Navigator services to assist qualified Iowans seeking to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Some residents in Marion County and the 319 area code have reported issues when dialing 211 from their landline phone. Calls have failed to connect or result in an automated message that the number has been disconnected. Although the cause of the issue is still being investigated, it may be associated with local phone carriers and the IUB is working to identify the source of the issue.

Residents who are experiencing difficulties connecting to 211 Iowa are encouraged to contact the IUB Customer Service toll-free at 877-565-4450. IUB Customer Service staff is available to assist Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The IUB will seek customer information to track down the issue with the customer’s phone carrier and connect the customer to 211. Any Iowa resident can also call 211 Iowa’s toll-free line at 800-244-7431 to speak with a trained and certified 211 operator and access any of the services provided by 211.

CMS Updates Nursing Home Visitation Guidance

On March 10, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), issued updated guidance for nursing homes to safely expand visitation options during the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency (PHE). The State of Iowa will be issuing an updated guidance document. View the fact sheet: CMS Nursing Home Guidance with Revised Visitation Recommendations.

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. FEMA is working to provide finance assistance in April.

To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions:

The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.

FEMA is working dedicating a toll-free number to be used. For more information, updates, and how to apply, visit https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance.

Rent and Utility Assistance

The CDC eviction moratorium is scheduled to end March 31, 2021. Although the moratorium has not been extended, help may be available through the Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program. The program may provide eligible Iowans with assistance for a period of up to 12 months. The full application is anticipated to be available in late March. Eligibility precheck is now available. Visit https://www.iowafinance.com/iowa-rent-and-utility-assistance-program/.

Note: Polk County and the City of Des Moines will be administering the program locally. Therefore, Iowans residing in either Polk County or the City of Des Moines will be ineligible to apply for the Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program. More information on the program that may assist Polk County and City of Des Moines residents is available at IMPACT Community Action Partnership.

Federal Tax Filing and Payment Deadline for Individuals Extended to May 17

The federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. The IRS will provide formal guidance in the coming days. Read the IRS full press release for more details and other applicable dates.

Iowa income tax returns are due on April 30, 2021.

COVID-19 Language Resources

American Sign Language Videos-CDC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-Resources for Limited English Proficient Populations
Congolese Health Partnership Videos
Coronavirus, State Website
Crescent Community Health Center-Marshallese Language
EMBARC Ethnic Minorities of Burma and Advocacy and Resource Center
Hawaii Office of Language Access-Youtube
Iowa Department of Human Rights-Language Access
Iowa Department of Public Health
Iowa Spanish Helpline 515-344-3936
Multi-Lingual Hotline 1-877-558-2609
Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa
Test Iowa-Free COVID-19 Testing (Spanish available)

Previous Newsletters

Photo Box Initiative - America's SBDC Iowa

3/17/2021

America's SBDC Iowa Partnering with Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce
Photo Box Initiative

Do you need a backdrop for taking professional photos of your product for your business?

The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with America's SBDC Iowa to provide free use of a portable photo box for local Fairfield businesses. Digital marketing and e-commerce have been more crucial than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic with consumers turning online for their purchasing needs and information. This is an important time to create or revisit your small business' digital marketing strategy. The photo box provides business owners with a creative and useful space to be able to capture an image of their product in the best way possible.

For more information on using the portable photo box, please contact the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce at 641-472-2111 or Info@FairfieldIowa.com!

Shop Iowa - Become a Vendor

Shop Iowa is a statewide online marketplace selling products from hundreds of Iowa's small businesses to customers throughout the United States. Shop Iowa is a FREE resource for Iowa's small businesses to start or expand their sales online, provided by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).

Benefit from a marketplace that attracts customers from all around Iowa & the U.S.
Sell online for free* with no listing or commission fees. *Free shop listing up to 50 items. Processing rates are 2.9% + $.30 per order.
Sell products or gift cards and easily get paid for your online orders.
Diversify your sales channels to increase overall sales.
Selling support from a live team via email, phone, text and online trainings.
Set your own shipping rates and local pickup/delivery options.
Sync Shopify web stores to allow products to import and sync inventory. (other integrations coming soon)
Marketing support that promotes active businesses in newsletters and social media.
Sales tax collected and remitted by Shop Iowa to the state.

Current Criteria to Sell on Shop Iowa:

Iowa small businesses with a commercial location or made in Iowa products
Must have physical products or gift cards that can be easily shipped
Interested in receiving online orders through the Shop Iowa platform

Learn More About Shop Iowa at ShopIowa.com!

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Iowa Retail Initiative (IRI)
Champions

Visualize a Robust Retail District in Your Community
Participate in the Iowa Retail Initiative (IRI) and grow support for small business

Small businesses are essential to a community's quality of life, and they need community leaders and decision-makers working with them to generate a healthy retail environment. Iowa State University invites communities to take part in the Iowa Retail Initiative and build the support network that local retail needs to thrive. Iowa Retail Initiative, a part of ISU Extension and Outreach, is designed to strengthen independent retail in Iowa communities. Community and Economic Development Extension specialists provide the training and coaching.

Part one of the IRI training, IRI Champions produces a foundation of support for your retail district. IRI Champions starts where communities are now and offers training, tools and resources to help strengthen your retail base.

Participants will learn to:

Assess existing and future retail needs
Evaluate retail district amenities
Maximize community social media
Cultivate connections

Please contact:
Lisa Bates
lmbates@iastate.edu
515-357-8185