Chamber helps public officials connect

MT. PLEASANT — Just ahead of the beginning of the new legislative session which began Monday, Jan. 8, Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a public officials reception for chamber members at The Grange, last week.

Hope Haven, a division of Imagine the Possibilities, Chief Strategic Advancement Officer Cheryl Plank attended the reception in hopes of making important connections with public officials.

Hope Haven offers services in Henry, Jefferson, Washington, Lee, Des Moines, and Louisa counties for people with disabilities, and Plank says making these connections is crucial to continuing to provide all the needed services in the area.

“I came here to this event because I wanted to get connected with the legislators,” Plank said. “Then I want to schedule a time to talk with them about what our needs are as an organization.”

Plank was not alone in her hopes of connecting with the legislators via this reception.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors specifically urged county department heads to attend the event as well to voice their concerns about House File 718 which is putting pressure on the entire county to make significant budget cuts.

Other than connected with representatives like Taylor Collins and Jeff Shipley, and Senators Mark Lofgren and Adrian Dickey, the reception offered opportunities for a variety of chamber members to connect with county officials, as well.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com