Blog Archives

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.

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Why the Pandemic Could Make Us Happier People

4/7/2021

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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.

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

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

4/5/2021

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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.

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

4/2/2021

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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

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Business After Hours - Perfect View Window Cleaning

4/1/2021

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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.

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