Southeastern Iowa Working Leader Series

ATW Training Solutions has partnered with area Chambers to offer a comprehensive training package in Southeastern Iowa! We’re excited to announce a partnership with the following Chambers: Washington, Fort Madison, Oskaloosa, Burlington, Fairfield, Ottumwa, Mount Pleasant, and Muscatine. Through this partnership, we’ve identified the need to serve Working Leaders in these communities.  So, what is a Working Leader? Read on!

The title may differ…Manufacturing Production Lead…Lead Teller...Call Center Lead…but the expectations are the same. This person is a Working Leader. Many are challenged by lack of formal authority and other constraints, but expected nonetheless to perform at the highest level for their teams and organization.  So, we’re rolling out our proven training approach to companies in Southeastern Iowa by offering a Working Leader Series! Check it out…

Session 1: Communication Essentials – (November 12, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm) - Location TBD Everything in the workplace revolves around communication. Whether we are communicating as working leaders face-to-face or over the telephone, we must ensure the message sent is the message received. During this session, we will cover the fundamentals of effective communication. These fundamentals appear to be simple, yet we often fail to implement effectively and consistently.

Session 2: On-the-Job Training Techniques - (December 10, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm) - Location TBD In today’s “maximize resources” world, many working leaders are being called upon not only to perform their own duties, but to train others. While showing competency on the job, most working leaders aren’t equipped to be effective trainers. In this session we introduce Subject Matter Experts to adult learning theory through case studies, lecture, role play, and discussion. Participants will learn how to structure on-the-job training, encourage dialogue with trainees, recognize learning hurdles, and contribute to expected company results through their training efforts.

Session 3: Peer to Peer Feedback - (January 7, 2020 1:00pm - 4:00pm) - Location TBD Every day we give and receive feedback to others, which we mostly do informally. In the workplace, it’s important for working leaders to formalize our feedback process to provide feedback that is effective and received well by the other person. When feedback is delivered effectively, it can build relationships, increase productivity, and create a positive workplace culture.

Session 4: People Smarts - Emotional Intelligence - (February 4, 2020 1:00pm - 4:00pm) - Location TBD Many employees today have been conditioned to believe that emotions are unwelcome in the workplace—that decisions should be based upon cold, logical reason. In short, we “leave our emotions at home.” Today there is an increasing amount of research regarding emotional intelligence (EI), which indicates that proper understanding and use of emotions are critical to helping us be more effective employees, better communicators, and can be a critical skill for working leaders.

Session 5: CEO of You - Lead Yourself to Success - (March 3, 2020 1:00pm - 4:00pm) – Location TBD We often think we are dependent on others to reach our goals and achieve success. But, we don’t need to place our future success in the hands of other people—we can design our destiny today. High achievers understand the value of clarity and courage in reaching their goals and they actively work to create opportunities for action. In this session, we will help working leaders examine their sphere of influence, leverage their skills and motivation, and develop a plan for their future.

Traveling is required to attend each session.***

• Registration is open now thru the date of the first session.
• Series is limited to the first 30 participants.
• The price is just $695 per person to companies with local Chamber membership.  (Regular         price is $895)
• No multiple person discounts, but take an additional 5% off your total by registering prior to         October 15, 2019.
• Once enrollments are confirmed, ATW will work with the participating Chambers to                         schedule the sessions at locations throughout the communities represented.
• ATW will provide snacks and beverages at all events.
• To register, just contact Mark Purcell at 515-727-0731, or mark@atwtraining.com. 

The teachers in Fairfield and the surrounding communities are often not given the appreciation they deserve. To show our support of educators, The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce our inaugural Teacher Appreciation event.
 
This event is aimed at helping all Pre-K through 12th Grade teachers stock their classrooms with the supplies that they need for the year ahead. Most, if not all of these teachers spend their own hard earned money on classroom supplies throughout the year. Let’s all come together and help eliminate the need for them to do so. Sign up today for the low cost of $25 to host a booth and offer supplies and various other items to the teachers. We would love to see connections and relationships being made between the teachers and businesses within the community. The teachers are also interested in learning how you can help throughout the year in their classrooms. Do you have someone who would make a great guest speaker on a specific topic? SHARE that information with the teachers. They are always open to gaining new resources! Does your organization have any events that would spark the teacher’s interest? Plan to share that information as well!

This event will be held on Wednesday, September 25th from 4:30pm – 7:30pm at the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center and will include teachers from Fairfield Community School District, Maharishi School, Pekin Community School District and Cardinal Community School District.

Connect with Chelsey Haynes at the Chamber for more information and to address any questions or concerns you may have at this time. Events@FairfieldIowa.com or (641) 472-2111. Please register online by clicking here.
 
Regards,
​Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce

JC Huffman Cabinetry in Fairfield, Iowa.

When looking to remodel a space you should always start with the larger tasks first, such as flooring. Flooring is a key part in your overall look and design. Deciding which type of flooring works best for you can be a daunting task.

5 Key Factors in Choosing the Correct Flooring

Durability

When it comes to durability you’re also factoring in cost as well. So, keep in mind when choosing flooring with high durability you will be saving money in the long run.

Hardwood flooring is great for strength and durability. It’s known for standing the test of time in high traffic areas. Tile flooring also allows for high traffic as it is stain proof, scratch proof, waterproof and fire resistant. Then there is stone flooring that can stand up to nearly anything with the proper maintenance.

Maintenance

In order to keep your floors looking brand new you will have to keep up with the proper maintenance that is required. Depending on the type of flooring, some may require maintenance more often than others. If you are a type of person that is always on the go and has less time to keep up with flooring than look into opting for a low-maintenance flooring option.

Tile flooring requires minimal maintenance and will not get damaged from cleaning services. Vinyl flooring is low-maintenance that can take on high traffic areas and spills. On the other hand, stone flooring is high-maintenance with a longer up keep process but has high durability.

Moisture

Depending on the room you are looking to remodel, you need to factor in the amount of moisture that will be in the area. This means if you are remodeling a bathroom or basement look into flooring that can stand up in high moisture areas.

Due to engineered hardwood flooring being in a cross-grain configuration and bonded together using heat and pressure, it can prevent any moisture issues. If you don’t like the look of hardwood, then tile flooring is waterproof as well and will stand the test of time in high moisture areas. On the other hand, hardwood flooring is NOT recommended for areas of the home with high moisture content due to the expansion gap between the floor and the wall.

Cost

The cost of flooring can be a huge deciding factor when choosing flooring. You must keep in mind the cost of installation, maintenance, and replacements. Choosing to pay less right away may result in spending more money in the long run to replace the flooring. Where as investing in flooring with high durability and long lasting will cost more up front but save you in the long run. You can also choose to purchase the flooring and install it yourself to save money!

Look

Once you have decided on all the key factors above you can choose which flooring will go along with your design style and space. Flooring that perfectly matches all your needs and design styles will results in a long lasting and cohesive design.

JC Huffman carries many types of flooring for your home such as vinyl, stone, laminate and hardwood. If you still have questions on what flooring is the best for you, we will help guide you through the selection process! Visit our flooring page for more product information.

60 Ideas in 60 Minutes

In just 60 Minutes attendees will learn the top 10 business tips from 6 leading business leaders and entrepreneurs in Jefferson County on Thursday, September 19, 2019 from 11:30-1:15PM at the Fairfield Golf & Country Club. 

About 60 Minutes in 60 Minutes
For the scope of this inaugural program, Business Leaders will share their 10 best ideas, both big and small that have made their businesses successful.  Each presenter will share proven practices, programs or philosophies that can help strengthen business.  Attendees will come away with a program that includes all 60 ideas along with room for note taking. 

Guest speakers
Bryan Hunger, CEO Jefferson County Health Center. Aaron A. Kness president/CEO Iowa State Bank & Trust Co. Josh Laraby, Executive Director, Fairfield Economic Development Association. Dr. Laurie Noll, Superintendent, Fairfield Community School District.  Francis Thicke, President, Radiance Dairy.  Kara M. Waugh, Owner, Adela’s Fine Gifts and Home Accents. 

How to attend
Purchase tickets online at: https://hooplatix.com/events/60-IDEAS-IN-60-MINTUES-9-19-19  

About The Fairfield Ledger
The Fairfield Ledger is an independent, employee-owned daily newspaper.  Founded in 1849, the company continues to be innovative in program, product and service while maintaining its commitment to provide the latest in local, state and national news.  Visit www.ffledger.com

The Annual Young Professionals of Iowa Conference in Ottumwa, IA, starts on Thursday, September 19th with an evening of networking. The conference starts Friday morning, September 20th.

​The Annual Conference brings together young professionals across the state of Iowa to provide opportunities in relationship building, professional and personal development, as well as excitement for their own future success.  Through break-out sessions, group activities and a powerful keynote, attendees will learn ways to self-motivate, to think positively and to apply what they are learning when they return to their jobs after the conference.

Young Professionals of Iowa is proud to announce the 2019 YP of Iowa Annual Conference on September 20th will be hosted by Ottumwa Young Professionals in Ottumwa, Iowa.

The pre-conference social will be held Thursday evening, September 19, 2019 at the Bridge View Center located at 102 Church Street, Ottumwa, IA.

ENERGY. MOTIVATION. CONTACTS. EXPERIENCE.

These are just a few of the things you will take away from the conference; and not only are we providing you with amazing speakers and opportunities to connect with young professionals across the state but we feed you too! All registrants will have access to the pre-event social the night before which includes a drink ticket and appetizers. Breakfast and lunch as well as snacks and refreshments are provided at the conference.

Please click here to RSVP for this event.

The 2019 Barnyard Bash was held on Friday, August 23rd at the Maasdam Barns in Fairfield. Approximately 750 people attended! Browse the slideshow below to see pictures of the evening.

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Watch the video below to see Booth Sponsor AirEvac Lifeteam fly their helicopter in for the 2019 Barnyard Bash event! The Barnyard Bash had a total of 26 different Booth Sponsors.