Fairfield draws ?who-da thunk it? quote from Lode

Iowa Tourism Manager Shawna Lode told a room full of people this morning that the Sustainable Living Center building was her third spot to visit in Fairfield today and it was her third, ?who-da thunk it?? moment.

Lode and Jessica O?Riley, Iowa Tourism Director of Communications, joined about 50 other interested people and about a dozen media representatives at the grand opening of the building on the Maharishi University of Management campus.

?The state tourism office doesn?t own any tourism assets,? Lode said. ?We promote what you tell us about. We?re excited to be a partner with you in promoting this building.?

Rustin Lippincott, director of Fairfield Iowa Convention and Visitors Bureau, took the state tourism representatives to Radiance Dairy and the Creative Edge prior to the grand opening ceremony. Maasdam Barns was on the itinerary for the afternoon.

?Radiance Dairy and Creative Edge were places I didn?t know existed,? said Lode. ?And now, this building . . . we will work with you to let others know what treasures are here in Fairfield.?

Craig Pearson, executive vice president of Maharishi University of Management and master of ceremonies for the Sustainable Living Center grand opening, addressed a reply to Lode before introducing the next speaker.

?You?ll find a lot in this town that?s ?who-da thunk??, said Pearson.

After the laughter, Lonnie Gamble, introduced as the co-founder of Eco Village and faculty member in the Sustainable Living program, addressed the crowd.

?The goal of our program is to allow students to participate and learn about sustainability,? said Gamble. ?Instead of only speaking about it, I can take them over to the walls and show them.

?This building is like a tree, it gives back more than it takes. I can?t imagine a better place to make my small contribution to the earth than here,? he said and was overcome by emotion. That drew a loud applause from people in the room.