FAIRFIELD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
  • Our Chamber
    • Facebook
    • Mission Statement
    • Meet the Staff
    • Meet the Board
    • Ambassadors
    • Contact
  • Our Community
    • Map of Fairfield and Jefferson County
    • Shopping and Dining
    • Recreation
    • Schools & Child Care
    • Relocating to Fairfield
    • Local Government
    • Jefferson County Heritage
    • Fairfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)
    • Fairfield Economic Development Association
    • Fairfield & Transcendental Meditation Info Center
    • Fairfield Heritage Courtyard
  • Business Directory
  • Join Us
    • Why Join The Chamber
    • Membership Application
    • M2M
  • Sponsorship
  • EVENTS/CALENDAR
    • Community Calendar of Events
    • Chamber News
    • Chamber Sponsored Events >
      • Annual Awards Banquet
      • Barnyard Bash
      • Bike Fairfield
      • Blast Off Golf Tournament
      • Business After Hours / Member Mixer
      • Candidate Forum
      • Career Connections
      • Fairfield Treasure Hunt Weekend
      • Holiday Lighting Dedication
      • Leadership Fairfield
      • Legislative Forum
      • Manufacturers Appreciation Luncheon
      • Member Appreciation Reception
      • Teacher Appreciation Day
      • Trees of Lights Campaign
      • Chamber Merchant Trick or Treat
    • Chamber Talk Radio Spotlight
  • Chamber Bucks
  • Member Log In

ISU Extension and Outreach - The Latest News from CED

2/11/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
A bi-monthly publication of COVID-19 resources for Iowans from
Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development

Picture
COMMUNITY VISIONING PROGRAM BUILDING ON 2020 VIRTUAL ENGAGEMENT TECHNIQUES IN 2021
As with many Community and Economic Development (CED) programs in Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa’s Living Roadways Community Visioning Program was profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shutdown.

When ISU suspended work-related travel, the program was forced to cancel in-person activities. Read how the program adapted to virtual engagement in 2020 and how that is affecting the 2021 program.

ONLINE RESOURCES
  • Municipal Professionals Institute Registration Information
  • Registration for Virtual Intro to Planning and Zoning Workshops
  • COVID-19 Health and Economic Indicators
  • Back to Business Iowa Podcast
  • Assessing Business Systems During COVID-19
  • Rural Housing Assessment Grant Program

​MUNICIPAL PROFESSIONALS INSTITUTE MOVES TO A ‘BLENDED’ ONLINE AND IN-PERSON FORMAT
​
For 44 years, the Office of State and Local Government Programs in the Community and Economic Development (CED) Program at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has offered the Municipal Professionals Institute (MPI) in some form as an in-person training held in Ames every year.
Read how 2020 changed all that and what 2021 looks like.

ADAPTING P&Z WORKSHOPS TO A REMOTE WORLD
When the pandemic hit the United States in March 2020, ensuring that local officials had the knowledge to properly implement land use law seemed the furthest thing from a priority, even to specialists in the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development (CED) program. There was too much uncertainty. Fortunately, that didn’t last long. Although the way CED was doing business had to change, continued development and good land use planning remained priorities.
Learn more here.
Picture

LEADING COMMUNITIES 2.0 TO LAUNCH IN SPRING 2021
Dynamic. That’s a word we use to describe the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach program Leading Communities. We describe the program as dynamic because we want to always be able to adapt the program to the current and emerging community leadership and engagement needs of our Iowa counties. A research-based community engagement program, Leading Communities was developed and is provided to Iowa communities by community development specialists in Community and Economic Development.
 
Our most dramatic change in the program occurred in 2020, when COVID-19 forced us to pivot to a virtual delivery protocol. Read more about LC 2.0 here.

0 Comments

Iowa Department of Human Rights Newsletter

2/5/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture

​We are here to help.

February is Black History Month

February is Black History month, a federally recognized celebration of the history, achievements, and contributions of African Americans to our state and our country. 
Here are some resources on ways to celebrate and learn about Black History Month:
  • Iowa Department of Human Rights/Office on the Status of African Americans
  • Greater DSM Partnership
  • African American Museum of Iowa
  • Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
    • Webinar Registration- Iowa History 101: Iowa's Black Migration - Into, Around, Out of and Back Again, February 25, 20221, noon - 1:00 pm. 
  • Iowa PBS
  • Library of Congress  
Additionally, the State Data Center of Iowa and the Department of Human Rights' Commission on the Status of African Americans provide a snap shot of the status of African Americans in Iowa in 2020.  Click image below for additional information. 
Picture

Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

The State of Iowa coronavirus website has a tool where you can find a vaccine provider near you.  Iowa has begun Phase 1B with tiered priority groups, but there continues to be a limited supply of vaccine in Iowa. For details and to locate a provider, visit:  coronavirus.iowa.gov

In addition, the Iowa Department of Public Health announced a one-time allocation of unused vaccine for Iowans 65 years old and over.  Appointments can be scheduled at select Walgreens and CVS pharmacies in certain counties.  
​
For general questions about the vaccine, you may call 2-1-1.  

Marketplace Special Enrollment Period February 15-May 15

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a special enrollment period from February 15 - May 15 through healthcare.gov for Marketplace-eligible individuals who are submitting a new application or updating an existing application. The 2021 Special Enrollment Period provides access to health coverage during the pandemic.  Some consumers may already be eligible for other existing Special Enrollment Periods, Medicaid, or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and can visit healthcare.gov now to find out if they can enroll in the meantime. Starting February 15, consumers seeking to take advantage of the new Special Enrollment Period can find out if they are eligible by visiting healthcare.gov. Consumers can find local help at Localhelp.healthcare.gov or by calling the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325. Assistance is available in 150 languages. The call is free.  Read more...

Tax Season to begin February 12, 2021

The IRS and the Iowa Department of Revenue will begin processing tax returns on February 12, 2021.  Here are some important dates:   
  • February 12. Federal and state individual tax returns start being accepted and processing begins.
  • April 15. Due date for filing federal 2020 tax returns or requesting extension of time to file.
  • April 30. Due date for filing Iowa tax returns.

To read more about the 2021 tax filing season, visit the IRS website. It also contains information on how to claim a recovery rebate credit for people who did not receive or only received partial payment of their stimulus payments. 
​
The Iowa Department of Revenue website has forms, resources, and answers to tax questions.  

Legislative Session

The Iowa legislature is in session. Legislators are meeting in person and have put in place some protocols for 2021.  The legislature's website has information on legislators, bills, schedules, committee meetings, and how the public can participate and submit comments.  Visit https://www.legis.iowa.gov.  

Language Access

The U.S. healthcare system can be hard to navigate, especially for newcomers.  CORE Resettlement Support Center has compiled some COVID-19 related resources in multiple languages. Languages include Amharic, Burmese, Nepali, Somali, Spanish, Ukranian, and more.  Fact sheets, videos, and podcasts are also available. 

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

0 Comments

Jefferson County Little League Registration

2/5/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture

​Registration for the 2021 Little League Baseball and Softball Season is now open. Kids ages 4-12 are invited to register at: www.jeffersoncountylittleleague.com. Follow Jefferson County Little League on Facebook for up-to-date information on tryouts, team assignments, games and more! Practices and games will begin in mid-April. Visit our website for more information on player fees, age levels, tryouts and more. 

All registered families will be entered to win Chamber Bucks in the increments of $50, $40, $30, $20, and $10. The first drawing will be held Friday, Feb 12 via a live Facebook event at 6pm. The last drawing will be held on March 12. 

Email any questions to: president@jeffersoncountylittleleague.com
0 Comments

2021 ISU Community Food Systems Annual Event - Virtual Feb 12

2/5/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
2021 ISU Community Food Systems virtual event is February 12
Registration deadline extended to Feb. 10

​
The 7th Annual ISU Community Food Systems Event takes place VIRTUALLY via Zoom on Friday, February 12, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register for the conference here. Cost is $20 and registration has been extended to Feb. 10. Plan to attend, as sessions will not be archived!
This year’s event will focus on Retail and Leadership Within Community Food Systems, lifting up best practices around the nation in all community food systems areas. Join us to learn, engage, and discuss ways to promote community engagement, collective action and food systems projects. View the full agenda.

Keynotes: The morning keynote features three food entrepreneurs: Todd Manly of Mutiny Island Vodka and Karla Fennessy of Quality Food (St. Croix, US Virgin Islands) and Taufeek Shah of Lola’s Fine Hot Sauces (Des Moines; at right). They will share their success stories in a presentation titled "Unlikely Partnerships and Local Food Retail: Best Practices and Shared Experience."
Picture
Breakouts: Two afternoon breakout sessions will cover three topics: business and organizational tools, community food access and minority-owned business strategies. Presentations will include:
  • Financial Projects for Food Businesses
  • Three Practical, Effective Community-Scale Strategies to Improve Access to Good Food Among Vulnerable Populations
  • Immigrant Stores in Iowa; Oases in Food Deserts
  • Low-Cost Technology Solutions for Iowa’s Local Food Coordinators
  • Working with Food-Insecure Clients During the Pandemic
  • Pivoting Your Business Model During a Disruption: Guadalajara Restaurant Success Story

Closing: The closing keynote features Deborah Tropp, a food business consultant who spent 26 years with USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service. Her presentation is titled "Local Food Markets: Business Development Opportunities and Leadership." The conference's final session from FFED's food systems team lead Courtney Long will give an overview of a new resource for food systems practitioners, the Food Systems Practitioner and Education Resource Database.Need more information? Contact Bre Miller at millerb@iastate.edu. #CFS21

​
The mission of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Farm, Food and Enterprise Development Program is to support value-added agriculture enterprises, businesses, and regional food systems through research, education and community engagement. 
0 Comments

IDR Helps You Prepare for Tax time

2/4/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture

​Des Moines, Iowa – February 4, 2021 – With tax filing season upon us, the Iowa Department of Revenue is reminding Iowans of the many resources available that can assist taxpayers with filing their tax return.

The Department will begin processing returns at the same time as the IRS on February 12. This is because Iowa taxpayers are required to provide their federal return with their Iowa return. Iowa income tax returns are due on April 30.

The Department website is a good starting point to find tax forms and answers to all kinds of tax questions. Filing Made Easy explains the filing process in three simple steps and includes information on how to file, avoiding common mistakes, and details regarding the status of a refund. Additionally, the Tax Guidance section has been improved to allow taxpayers and tax professionals the ability to easily search for tax guidance.

Last year, the Department announced goals to process refunds in 30 days and to shorten wait times of customer calls. Refunds averaged 30 days or less throughout the tax season and phone call wait times decreased. Continuing to improve the customer experience remains a top priority with the Department.

While the Department’s walk-in help desk is not open due to COVID-19, there are several ways to contact the Department:

There are multiple ways to contact the Department:

     Website: tax.iowa.gov
     Phone:    Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
                    515-281-3114 or 800-367-3388
     Email:     idr@iowa.gov


###
0 Comments

JCPH COVID-19 Vaccine Update Issued 2/3

2/4/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
February 3, 2021 1500
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Chris Estle RN, BSN, Administrator


Jefferson County Public Health had vaccine on site and was able to schedule individuals age 65 and older prior to starting Phase 1B. All of those doses have been administered. It has been a challenging week for you, members of the public and for us at the health department. We continue to make improvements and changes to our dispensing plans. Plans have been in place for years and are reviewed and changed based on the current situation. We have experienced a similar situation with H1N1, vaccine was in short supply during that response as well.

During the Phase 1B Priority TIER 1-5, individuals 65 years of age are eligible to receive vaccine at any time. However, vaccine remains in very limited supply from the state in federal level.

Vaccine clinics are not scheduled until vaccine has arrived at the department. Too many issues could happen, vaccine could be redistributed at the state level or there may be a delay in shipping. At this time, local health departments do not know from week to week the number of doses we will be allocated for the following week. Future vaccine allocations are partially determined by the number of doses that have been administered. As we continue to receive increased vaccine allocations, we will begin to take names and schedule appointments. If and when we receive a large allocation of vaccine (greater than 1000 doses) we will set up a community clinic point of dispensing (POD). This has been the goal throughout this process. We have staff and community members ready to administer vaccine, we just do not have enough vaccine.

At this time with the large numbers wanting to receive vaccine, a list is just not manageable. At the health department, we understand that not all of our residents utilize electronic means of communication. The health department’s current process will remain in place: listen to local radio (KMCD-Classic 96), follow us on Facebook or you can call the office. You may receive a recorded message with the most current vaccine availability or information.

Jefferson County Public Health has met the goal for Phase 1A Healthcare professionals and longterm care centers. Jefferson County Public Health has met the goal for Phase 1B TIER 1-First Responders, Firefighters, Law Enforcement. (We are still working on child welfare and social workers)

Follow us on Facebook: Jefferson County Public Health, Jefferson County Emergency Management, Jefferson County Health Center 


Fairfield, MSAE and Pekin schools will be receiving COVID-19 vaccine in the next several weeks. Dates and locations will not be released to the general public. This is part of Point of Dispensing (POD) security.

Effective today, Jefferson County Public Health is excited to share, that our community partners will be joining us in vaccine administration.

Jefferson County Public Health has allocated a small number of doses to the following partners:

Jefferson County Health Center: Phone 641-469-4180 www.jeffersoncountyhealthcenter.org

Hy-Vee Pharmacy: https://www.hy-vee.com/my-pharmacy/covid-vaccine/consent.

Summit Pharmacy: Phone 641-472-7987

Our future partners will also include: Wal-Mart Pharmacy and NuCara Pharmacy.

Jefferson County Public Health will continue to allocate vaccine to our local partners.

Again, we do not have a large enough allocation to meet the current demand.

Thank you, members of our community for being understanding, respectful and supportive during this on-going process. 



###
0 Comments

Manpower Webinar Event - Thursday, February 4th

2/3/2021

0 Comments

 
Manpower Webinar Event

​Webinar:
What We've Learned, What's New, and What's Ahead in 2021: The State of Work
Date: Thursday, February 4th
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
 
Join Michael Stull, Senior Vice President of Manpower North America and Mark Toth, Chief Legal and Public Affairs Officer, ManpowerGroup North America as they discuss how the world of work is changing – again. Including up-to-date insights on new factors employers need to be considering from vaccinations in the workplace to evolving best practices for getting America back to work, legislative, policy and even behavior changes in the workforce that will impact your organization, and a preview of the innovations Manpower has planned for 2021 that will help keep your business moving forward.

View details and register for the webinar here

Picture
0 Comments

Shuttered Venue Operators and PPP2 Information

2/3/2021

0 Comments

 
Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant
The SBA is in the process of setting up the grant program and is not yet accepting applications. Please review the PDF below for information on eligibility, grant amount, use of grant proceeds, and preparing to apply.
Picture
PDF Copy of SVO Grant Information
.
.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Second Draw Loans Overview
Please review the PDF below for information on eligibility, grant amount, use of grant proceeds, and preparing to apply for PPP2.
Picture
PDF Copy of PPP2 Overview Information
0 Comments

The Well Begins Accepting Donations Feb 3rd

2/2/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
The Well Thrift Store in Fairfield will begin accepting donations from 10-5 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays beginning February 3rd to stock the store in preparation for opening soon. Look for future Saturday drop-off times once the store is open. The Well Fairfield is located at 1700 South Main Street in Fairfield, Iowa. During designated donation hours, proceed to the back of the building and look for signs to drop donations off inside the appropriate donation doors. No donations are to be left outside. Items that can be donated include gently used clothing, shoes, linens, housewares, home décor, craft supplies, vintage items, books, DVDs, toys, baby gear, sporting goods, tools, working electric appliances, and furniture. Donations not accepted include items that are broken, paints and chemicals, custom window treatments, building materials, pianos and organs, outdated media and TVs. All items donated to The Well Thrift Store in Fairfield support the Well’s ministry to help local people reach long-term stability in life. If you would like to be a part of transforming lives by volunteering, visit www.thewelliowa.org to sign up. Many volunteers are needed to launch and operate The Well Thrift Store and the Well Resource Center.
0 Comments

Become a Bald Eagle Nest Monitor

2/2/2021

0 Comments

 
Iowa DNR
Become a Bald Eagle Nest Monitor
Two Training Opportunities to Become a Volunteer Bald Eagle Nest Monitor

Calling all wildlife watchers! The Iowa DNR will be hosting two live online training workshops for anybody interested in becoming a volunteer bald eagle nest monitor in Iowa. Prospective nest monitors must attend one of the two scheduled workshops. The workshops will be held via Zoom on Saturday February 20th from 10:00 am to noon OR Monday February 22nd from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. 
Picture
Community science volunteers have been helping to monitor Iowa’s eagle population since 2006. Workshop participants will learn about this program and how to get involved and monitor a nest in their area of the state. Iowa has over 400 active bald eagle nests across the state plus many more that have an unknown status. In 2020, volunteer nest monitors collected data on roughly 250 of these nests!

Program coordinator Stephanie Shepherd explains, “With more than 1000 wildlife species in the state, we just don’t have enough staff in the DNR to adequately monitor all the vulnerable species that need attention. This is where community scientists play a crucial role.”

To be a bald eagle nest monitor you will need a pair of binoculars and preferably a spotting scope. Nest monitors are particularly needed in the following counties; Allamakee, Clayton, Delaware, Floyd, Greene, Guthrie, Henry, Jones, Lucas and Winneshiek Counties; but interested people anywhere in the state are welcome. We will try to match you up with a nest near your home base. The time commitment for conducting the survey and submitting data is roughly 6 hours total between March and July each year and will require multiple visits to a nest.

Each workshop will be limited to 20 households and a $5.00 fee is required. Registration will close on February 17th at 5 pm or whenever the 20 household per workshop limit has been reached. Direct questions to Stephanie Shepherd at vwmp@dnr.iowa.gov. 


Interested volunteers must register for one of two training workshops. Workshops are limited to 20 households each. Registration will close when that number of registrants has been reached or on February 17th, 2021, whichever comes first. 


  • February 20, 2021 – Saturday – 10:00am to 12:00pm. The zoom session will open at 9:50am to allow people to get in and get settled. The workshop will start promptly at 10am.
  • February 22, 2021 – Monday – 6:30pm to 8:30 pm. The zoom session will open at 6:20pm to allow people to get in and get settled. The workshop will start promptly at 6:30pm.
​
There is a $5 fee to cover workshop materials. For more information and to register, go to www.iowadnr.gov/vwmp or e-mail vwmp@dnr.iowa.gov

Visit VWMP >
0 Comments
Forward>>

    Archives

    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015

Welcome
Mission 

Meet the Staff
Meet the Board
​Ambassador Club

Contact


About Fairfield
Map of Fairfield & Jeff. Co.
Dining
Shopping
Recreation
Schools & Childcare
Relocating to Fairfield

Local Government
Website Privacy Policy​
Events
Chamber Talk
Chamber News
​Calendar of Events
Join Us
​Why Join the Chamber?
Membership Application


​M2M Discount Program
​Member Log-In
​
Membership Directory
Picture
All or most of the photos were provided by Werner Elmker Audio-Visual Studio.
Let's Roam: ​https://www.letsroam.com
  • Our Chamber
    • Facebook
    • Mission Statement
    • Meet the Staff
    • Meet the Board
    • Ambassadors
    • Contact
  • Our Community
    • Map of Fairfield and Jefferson County
    • Shopping and Dining
    • Recreation
    • Schools & Child Care
    • Relocating to Fairfield
    • Local Government
    • Jefferson County Heritage
    • Fairfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)
    • Fairfield Economic Development Association
    • Fairfield & Transcendental Meditation Info Center
    • Fairfield Heritage Courtyard
  • Business Directory
  • Join Us
    • Why Join The Chamber
    • Membership Application
    • M2M
  • Sponsorship
  • EVENTS/CALENDAR
    • Community Calendar of Events
    • Chamber News
    • Chamber Sponsored Events >
      • Annual Awards Banquet
      • Barnyard Bash
      • Bike Fairfield
      • Blast Off Golf Tournament
      • Business After Hours / Member Mixer
      • Candidate Forum
      • Career Connections
      • Fairfield Treasure Hunt Weekend
      • Holiday Lighting Dedication
      • Leadership Fairfield
      • Legislative Forum
      • Manufacturers Appreciation Luncheon
      • Member Appreciation Reception
      • Teacher Appreciation Day
      • Trees of Lights Campaign
      • Chamber Merchant Trick or Treat
    • Chamber Talk Radio Spotlight
  • Chamber Bucks
  • Member Log In