Pekin plants trees; Dunn at SIEDA; Business After Hours

Pekin students plant new trees with help from Alliant Energy, Trees Forever

PACKWOOD ? Interstate Power and Light Company, an Alliant Energy company, and Trees Forever are helping the students at Pekin Community School District learn about the importance of trees and windbreaks through a Branching Out grant.

Students and educators are planting trees at the school during the day. The focus is on a windbreak recently lost due to age and disease. Surrounded by agriculture fields and a former air strip, the school is exposed to harsh winter winds. Trees will be planted on the western side of the track and field facilities.

The school applied for a grant through Alliant Energy?s Branching Out program to help make the project possible. The program encourages energy efficiency, environmental awareness and community involvement in Iowa. Alliant Energy provides funding for project grants to participating communities, and Trees Forever staff members provide project assistance and technical resources to the local volunteers.

?The students and staff are volunteering for this project and getting their hands dirty, making this a great opportunity for the students to see the benefits of trees,? said Shannon Ramsay, president and CEO of Trees Forever. ?While all trees are a good thing, they?re even better when planted in a strategic place, such as a windbreak.?

For information, contact Trees Forever at 800-369-1269. Applications are available online atalliantenergy.com/branchingout or treesforever.org.

Dunn new SIEDA executive director

OTTUMWA ? Southern Iowa Economic Development Association has hired Ottumwa resident Brian Dunn as the local nonprofit community action agency?s new executive director.

Matt Greiner, SIEDA?s board chairman, said Dunn?s duties began April 29.

Dunn is a graduate of three of Iowa?s universities, He has a master?s degree in organizational development, a master?s degree in higher education administration, an undergraduate degree in health promotion and was previously employed as the Iowa State University Regional Extension educational director.

John A. Wilson, president of Progress Resources Inc., a nonprofit training and technical assistance organization that provides consulting services to community action agencies nationwide, was engaged as SIEDA?s interim executive director from January until Dunn?s appointment.

SIEDA, a private organization established in 1965 as a community action agency, implements a range of services designed to strengthen families, promote child development and help individuals and families with basic needs. Current services include Head Start, Parents as Teachers, Family Development and Self Sufficiency, Home Energy Assistance, Home Weatherization, Maternal and Infant Home Visitation and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment.

The SIEDA organization serves citizens and communities in Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Mahaska, Van Buren and Wapello counties. More information for the agency is available at www.sieda.org.

Business After Hours set May 16

Shawn McCarty State Farm Insurance will host Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce?s Business After Hours for all chamber members, spouses and guests from 4-7 p.m. May 16.

Appetizers, beverages, door prizes, drawings and an opportunity to meet and socialize with the personnel who make up their workforce are planned.

Any business interested in hosting a Business After Hours, can contact Lori Knox at 472-2111 or lknox@fairfieldiowa.com.