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
0 Comments
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 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. 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.
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 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:
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) 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).
Current Criteria to Sell on Shop Iowa:
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:
Please contact: Lisa Bates lmbates@iastate.edu 515-357-8185 The Fairfield Art Association announces another attempt on its 12th annual summer art installation after a break for a year with Covid. The theme has been changed from “2020” to “2020 in 2021, A BETTER VIEW” reflecting a new attitude for a brighter future. We are excited to offer a very fun design and engage participants eager to create again, while giving viewers something to enjoy and smile about. The FAA invites area artists, fine craftsman, or creative groups or businesses to participate. Twenty garden nodes around the downtown square and up Main Street to the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center have spaces available for art work placement and will be assigned as entrants sign up and are approved. Registration begins immediately, with pickup of guidelines and wooden design piece starting March 22, at the FAA Studio in FACC, open Monday – Friday from 12 Noon – 4:30 PM or email suzan1252@aol.com for other pick up arrangement time. This year the FAA will be providing precut wooden pieces in the shape of eyeglasses thanks to Rob Mitchell at FHS and his industrial arts students. There will be four shaped eyeglass designs to choose from at the FAA Studio, including Cat Eye, Octagon, Rectangle and Round. Any material can be used to decorate or embellish our shaped wood piece. Use of recycled, found, used, and Fairfield related items are encouraged, but most of all being creative, using good taste and making sure all materials are weather proof, of sturdy construction and safe to handle. All completed work must be designed to work with our simple pole installation plans which are provided in our overall guidelines. Complete list of Guidelines to follow can also be found at www.fairfieldartassociation.org "We have a feeling this will be a popular art installation after a year of pent up creative projects, so we encourage early sign up to reserve a display space and our limited wood forms. This is an art form that can be worked on at home, by yourself or with others", noted by Suzan Kessel, FAA volunteer director. "Some of the glasses will be placed for taking 'Selfie photos' and a reminder that "things are looking up again". Completed entries must be turned in to the FAA Studio between June 1-3, to be installed prior to June 4, when the “2020 in 2021” Art Display officially opens for Fairfield’s First Friday event. A Silent Auction of all the entries will begin on August 6 and conclude at the September Art Walk with proceeds divided equally between the participant and the FAA. FAA President (left) Makenzie Champ and Volunteer Director Suzan Kessel (right)
announce the Summer Art Installation theme “2020 in 2021 – A BETTER VIEW”. Four different eye glass designs have been created out of wood by FHS Industrial Arts class students to be used by up to 20 artistic participants for the 12th annual downtown public exhibit. Photo by Werner Elmker. Fairfield Women's Club & the McElhinny House
Bake Sale & Frozen Dishes Frozen Ham Balls! Frozen Chicken Casseroles! Get a little help with your Easter dinner (or anytime). Orders must be placed by March 18th. To order, call 641-472-0013. Ham Balls pan of 9: $13.00 Ham Balls pan of 2: $4.00 Chicken Casseroles Family size: $12.00 Chicken Casserole Individual size: $4.00 Bake Sale Many choices for your Easter Table-Cakes, Pies, Cookies, Breads, and MORE!! Please order by Thursday, March 18th; actual Bake Sale event date and dish pick up date is Saturday, April 3rd, 2021 from 9am - 3pm at The McElhinny House. The McElhinny House is located at 300 N. Court Street in Fairfield. 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. Utilities-LIHEAP Deadline April 30, 2021 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help Iowa families stay warm and reduce health and safety problems. The program provides assistance with heating bills, energy crisis, and weatherization and energy-related home repairs. LIHEAP helps qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay for a portion of their primary heating costs for the winter heating season. The application deadline is April 30, 2021. Customers who qualify for LIHEAP are protected from having their natural gas and electric utilities disconnected from November 1 to April 1. Applications are taken at your local community action agency. Anyone having difficulty paying their utility bill or facing disconnection at any time should contact their local community action agency for assistance. To find your local agency, visit https://humanrights.iowa.gov/dcaa/where-apply, or contact the Iowa Department of Human Rights (DHR) at (515) 242-5655 or 1-800-351-4659. LIHEAP information is available in multiple languages on the DHR's website. Iowans may also call 2-1-1. DHR Video Iowans have endured an unprecedented time that included the pandemic, natural disasters, and social issues. The impact of these crises have exacerbated the challenges of vulnerable Iowans that affect their health, finances, food security, and everyday life. The Department of Human Rights operationalized strategies to support the well-being of vulnerable communities that include low-income households, communities of color, persons with disabilities, and those who have few resources. Learn about the highlights and impact of DHR's work and COVID-19 response by watching this video. 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 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 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 Iowans with Underlying Conditions Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine The Iowa Department of Public Health announced that effective Monday, March 8, 2021, Iowa vaccine providers can officially begin vaccinating additional priority populations. Individuals 64 years of age and younger with medical conditions that are or may be an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are now eligible. See Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommendations for those conditions here. This announcement comes as several Iowa counties have reported they are nearing completion for vaccinating previous priority population groups. Some counties and vaccine providers will remain focused on previous priority populations until they are closer to completion. Because vaccine production has not fully met the demand for vaccine, Iowans will need to remain patient as vaccine production increases. The White House announced this week that by the end of May, there will be enough vaccine for anyone over the age of 16 who chooses to receive one. Starting March 9, the 211 Call Center will be able to assist Iowans age 65 and older who need assistance scheduling an appointment and don’t have access to the technology to do so. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine adds one more layer of protection. New State Vaccine Website The State has launched a new website, Vaccinate.Iowa.gov, that provides information about vaccine priority populations and eligibility, resources available for Iowans age 65 and older, and answers to frequently asked questions about vaccine. The site also hosts a locator tool where users can enter their zip code to find vaccine providers near them. Once a provider is selected, appointment scheduling will be done through the provider’s website or scheduling platform. Information on the site will be updated regularly and site content can be translated into multiple languages. Slam the Scam! Federal agencies are warning consumers about vaccine scams and other other scams that ask for money or personal information. Here's information on how to protect yourself and how to report a scam. March is Women's History Month Nominate Women Who Make History The Iowa Women's Hall of Fame honors women who make history. Every day, women in Iowa lead in ways that make the world a better place. These women are the people you know: they are your co-workers, neighbors, friends and local leaders; they may spend their time as professionals, educators, mothers, care-givers, philanthropists and entrepreneurs. To nominate a woman for the 2021 Iowa Women's Hall of Fame, go to the Iowa Department of Human Rights' website by clicking here: 2021 Nominations. To learn more about those who have been honored since the Hall of Fame was established in 1975, click here: Inductees by Year. The nomination deadline is April 1, 2021. National Votes for Women Trail The National Votes for Women Trail is a project of The National Collaborative for Women's History Sites, which seeks to celebrate and tell the stories of people and places that were instrumental in the lengthy struggle for women’s suffrage. The Trail consists of two parts: 1) a database with digital map and 2) a program of historical markers for about 250 women’s suffrage sites across the country. Iowa on the Map DHR's Commission on the Status of Women, along with partners, placed the Mary J. Coggeshall Votes for Women Marker on the Iowa State Capitol Grounds for the 19th Amendment centennial in 2020. The Iowa Capitol Planning Commission approved the marker, and it was placed in the flowerbed south of the Pioneer Statuary Group/Buffalo Fountain, which is located west of the Iowa State Capitol on September 17, 2020. In November 2020, the marker honoring Belle Babb Mansfield was unveiled at Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Work from Home Jobs Display Iowa Workforce Development announced that it has added a remote/work from home jobs display to its website in order to assist job seekers specifically looking for these opportunities.The list of remote/work from home jobs can be found on the www.IowaWORKS.gov home page. Once you open the home page, scroll down to see the new purple card on the left marked "Work from home in these exciting career opportunities." You can click the button on that card to see the list of jobs displayed, with a brief job description. When you click on a job title, it will be necessary to log into IowaWORKS.gov to see the full description and how to apply. 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) Iowa Department of Human Rights Lucas State Office Building 321 E 12th Street Des Moines, IA 50319 515-242-5640 or 1-800-351-4659 Contact Us Form Register TODAY for Pick-Up Iowa 2021 Sponsored by Keep Iowa Beautiful! Join communities across Iowa participating in Pick-Up Iowa 2021 in coordination with the Great American Cleanup! You and your organization can participate by cleaning up litter and trash along Iowa’s roadsides, neighborhoods, streets, school grounds, parks, forests, and streams. Your community may participate by cleaning up litter and trash along Iowa’s roadsides, neighborhoods, streets, school grounds, parks, forests, and streams. Who may participate? Anyone! Cities, community and civic associations, schools, church groups, local sports teams, college clubs, groups of families and friends, businesses, Scouts, and others can organize their members and participate in Pick-Up Iowa. When: Pick-Up Iowa, will be held March 26th to June 30th, 2021 on any dates that work for your group. What: Pick-Up Iowa is part of Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup — the nation’s largest community improvement program. It is estimated 20,000 communities participate nationwide. As a Keep America Beautiful affiliate, Keep Iowa Beautiful is encouraging communities across the state to host a clean-up event between March and June 2021. To participate, register your group before March 12, 2021. Registered participant groups are eligible for a limited supply of free cleanup supplies such as bags, grabbers, safety vests and gloves donated by Keep Iowa Beautiful. To sign up to be eligible to receive clean-up supplies and assistance with your event, please complete the registration form. We look forward to assisting you with a successful Pick-Up Iowa 2021 event! REGISTER TODAY! Sincerely, Kevin Techau Executive Director Keep Iowa Beautiful |
Archives
May 2022
|