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Fairfield chamber committed to growth, community development

Courtesy of Mendy McAdams, Executive Director of Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce

Feb. 27, 2025 4:01 pm

Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.

The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to drive economic growth, support local businesses, and enhance community development in the heart of Iowa. With a mission to foster a thriving business environment, the Chamber continues to play a key role in shaping Fairfield’s economic landscape.

Key Initiatives and Accomplishments

1. Business Advocacy

Representing local businesses at the local and state level, the Chamber advocates for policies that promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and a business-friendly environment. Our Legislative Forums give citizens a chance to hear what their representatives are doing and ask questions. Our Meet the Candidate Forum helps voters learn where those on the ballot stand on key issues.

2. Networking Opportunities

The Chamber hosts regular networking events, connecting business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. These gatherings create valuable partnerships and provide platforms for businesses to showcase their products and services. Our monthly Business After Hours are always open to the public. Blast Off Golf Tournament allows members to mingle while on the golf course. The Annual Awards Banquet is a reason to dress up and find out who the big winners are while enjoying good food, drink, and friends.

3. Educational Programs

Through workshops and training sessions, the Chamber equips members with essential business skills and insights into industry trends, ensuring local businesses remain competitive and adaptable in a changing marketplace. Our Leadership Fairfield program is the premier networking and professional development program.

4. Community Engagement

By supporting charitable activities, and cultural events, the Chamber fosters unity and pride while contributing to Fairfield’s vibrant quality of life. We are the Holiday tradition on the square. Our Bike Safety programs educates youth on the importance of being safe while riding and gives children free helmets to protect them.

Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce volunteers use stations to teach a variety of bike safety topics like hand signals, road signs and rules of the road at Pence Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of Mendy McAdams)
Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce volunteers use stations to teach a variety of bike safety topics like hand signals, road signs and rules of the road at Pence Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of Mendy McAdams)

5. Small Business Support

The Chamber prioritizes small businesses by offering marketing assistance, access to funding resources, and personalized support to help them succeed. Chamber Bucks giveaways, celebrating small business week and season, and Fairfield Treasure Hunt Weekend are some events specific to our small business community. Chamber Bucks sold by your Chamber keep your money local!

Mendy McAdams dresses in a full pirate costume for the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Treasure Hunt Weekend July 29-30. (Photo courtesy of Werner Elmker)
Mendy McAdams dresses in a full pirate costume for the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Treasure Hunt Weekend. (Photo courtesy of Werner Elmker)

6. Innovative Economic Development

Partnering with stakeholders, the Chamber identifies new business opportunities, explores economic trends, and implements strategies to sustain Fairfield’s long-term prosperity. We co-sponsor Traction Thursday to support our vibrant entrepreneurial community and partner with NewBoCo, SBDC, Small Business Administration, and Grow Fairfield to have expert resources available.

Eliyah Finkelstein (left), CEO of Stratosphere Digital, delivers the guest lecture at Traction Thursdays on Jan. 16, 2025. Also pictured is Bob Ferguson, who finds a guest speaker every week for this series focusing on entrepreneurs. Traction Thursdays meets every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Fairfield CoLab. (Andy Hallman/The Union)
Eliyah Finkelstein (left), CEO of Stratosphere Digital, delivers the guest lecture at Traction Thursdays on Jan. 16, 2025. Also pictured is Bob Ferguson, who finds a guest speaker every week for this series focusing on entrepreneurs. Traction Thursdays meets every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Fairfield CoLab. (Andy Hallman/The Union)

7. Collaborative Partnerships

Building alliances with local businesses, organizations, and leaders, the Chamber leverages collective strengths to drive unified economic development efforts. Regular meetings of key leaders such as Grow Fairfield, Visit Fairfield, the City of Fairfield, SBDC, SBA, NewBoCo and Fairfield Schools make sure we all share the future vision for our community.

8. Advocacy for Shared Interests

Addressing community-wide challenges, the Chamber collaborates with local partners to promote infrastructure improvements and create an environment for growth. Supporting our local educators with our Teacher Appreciation Event is important to making sure they feel loved. Working to help bring Main Street Iowa to Fairfield to revitalize our downtown which is our community’s living room

Your Chamber is always evolving as our members need change. We listen and strive to support all the needs of our community. We welcome the public to visit and ask questions. Our Welcome Bags are given out with resources to get new residents started enjoying all our great community has to offer. Taking hundreds of calls a week from citizens looking for items or services, referrals are always to our members first and foremost!

Teachers collect donated school supplies from local businesses and organizations during the Teacher Appreciation Event Wednesday at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center. (Andy Hallman/The Union)
Teachers collect donated school supplies from local businesses and organizations during the Teacher Appreciation Event at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center. (Andy Hallman/The Union)

2025 Key Dates to Remember

Mark your calendar for these exciting events:

· Thursday, February 20: Business After Hours at Friendly Family Practice

· Wednesday, March 12: Donuts with the Director

· Friday, March 14: Business After Hours at Morrissey Law Offices

· Saturday, March 15: Legislative Forums

· Thursday, April 24: Annual Awards Banquet

· Friday, June 13: Blast Off Golf Tournament

· Wednesday, May 14: Drinks with the Director

· Friday, July 25 – Saturday, July 26: Fairfield Treasure Hunt Weekend

· In September: Barnyard Bash

· Wednesday, September 17: Teacher Appreciation Event

· Saturday, October 4: Harvest Rush Gravel Grinder

· Thursday, October 23: Manufacturer’s Appreciation Luncheon

· Friday, November 28: Holiday Lighting Ceremony
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