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TrafFix Devices Announces 60,000 SQFT Exapansion in Fairfield

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TrafFix Devices announces exiting growth.

The Fairfield traffic safety device equipment company, has responded to increased global demand for its products by breaking ground on its 60,000 square foot Iowa Facility.  According to Brent Kulp, President & CEO of TrafFix Devices, Inc., “This growth is made possible by the dedication of our skilled local team and the ongoing support of the Fairfield community.  Day in and day out, our employees design, engineer, and manufacture products that save lives across the globe, ensuring that drivers and crew members return home safely at the end of every day.”

Thank you, TrafFix Devices, for calling Fairfield home and building a safer, more prosperous future together.

Grow Fairfield to Host Generative AI Workshop for Local Professionals

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Grow Fairfield is excited to present a Community Business Workshop on Generative AI on Monday, October 28, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center – Cambridge Room.

This hands-on workshop is designed for professionals across industries—educators, entrepreneurs, marketers, HR leaders, and technologists—who want to understand and apply generative AI tools in their daily work. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to deepen your skills, this session will provide practical, actionable insights.

Led by Innovation Profs LLC with Drake University’s Chris Porter and Chris Snider, the workshop will cover:

  • A comprehensive overview of generative AI tools
  • Legal and ethical considerations for workplace use
  • The future of generative AI
  • A guided implementation exercise tailored to real-world business needs

Tickets are $42, with a discounted rate of $32 for Grow Fairfield members.
To access the member discount, contact Grow Fairfield at 641-472-3436.

Reserve your spot now through the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center ticket counter:
👉 Click here to purchase tickets

Attendees are encouraged to bring a charged laptop for the classroom-style setup. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.

Grow Fairfield is proud to bring relevant, forward-thinking programming to our community. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Grow Fairfield’s Sunrise Trail Subdivision begins infrastructure development

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FAIRFIELD, IOWA (March 25, 2025) Grow Fairfield Economic Development Association is pleased to announce that infrastructure construction to begin on the 35-acre site to support new subdivision.

The City of Fairfield has approved a 15-year TIF to support the project two years after the Housing Readiness Study reported an urgent need for additional housing in Fairfield. The study, facilitated by Iowa State University and carried out in partnership with Grow Fairfield, the City of Fairfield and the IEDA, underscored a demand for a minimum of 220 new housing units in the upcoming decade.

Ed Malloy, Executive Director of Grow Fairfield, said, “This project meets Grow Fairfield’s Urgent Housing Development Strategic Goal.  With our collaborative partnerships, our objective is to reduce the entry barriers for builders and aspiring homeowners as much as possible. We extend our deepest appreciation to the City of Fairfield, the Jefferson County Supervisors, and all our community partners for their support in this dynamic project.”

Located at the southern entrance to Fairfield, this development provides a great location for new workforce housing and is expected to support up to 70 new housing units.

Site and infrastructure construction scheduled to begin spring of 2025.

About Grow Fairfield Economic Development Association: Celebrating 45 years, Grow Fairfield Economic Development Association is a trade association committed to fostering  economic growth, innovation, and community development in the greater Fairfield and Jefferson County area. Through collaborative partnerships and visionary initiatives, Grow Fairfield strives to create a forward-acting community that attracts investment, cultivates a healthy business climate, and improves the overall quality of life for residents.

Media Contact:

director@growfairfield.com
641.472.3436

Grow Fairfield Adds Operations Manager, Rachel Hillier

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FAIRFIELD, IA – October 15, 2024 – Joe Stever, President of Grow Fairfield, announces that the Board of Directors has hired Rachel Hillier for a new role with the organization, Operations Manager. She will be joining the Executive Director, Ed Malloy.

Rachel’s background

Hillier grew up in Pleasant Valley, Iowa, and attended the University of Iowa, where she obtained degrees in Political Science and Asian Languages and Literature. Soon after graduating, she joined the Peace Corps, which sent her to the South Pacific.

“Two years of subsistence living in the jungle as a Peace Corps volunteer meant I had to gather my food daily, some from my garden, and most from the jungle and the ocean,” she said. “My local friends taught me to gather and prepare food.”

Hillier said that in the Solomon Islands, the most generous and productive members held the highest status in the culture. Tropical abundance was freely shared with neighbors.

Micro farm business

Upon returning to the States, Hillier made her home in New Mexico. There, she grew gardens that turned into a micro farm business and raised two boys, chickens, dogs, and a cat for over twenty years. She obtained a Master’s in English in 2003 from the University of New Mexico and taught creative nonfiction writing there.  

Renewable energy business 

Hillier began working in the renewable energy sector in 2010. Upon joining her first startup solar company, she experienced (through many hats) the turmoil of a rapidly growing small business. She focused on business development, project management, marketing, workforce engagement and efficiency.  

Later, as the president and then executive director of the state-wide nonprofit trade organization, the Renewable Energy Industry Association, she engaged the governor, state legislature, and utility companies to collaborate on growing the renewable technology industry, creating more economic opportunities for the New Mexico solar industry.

Move to Fairfield

Amidst the turmoil of 2020, Hillier attended MIU’s visitors weekend. Former Mayor Ed Malloy’s presentation convinced her to make Fairfield her new home.

“He suggested Fairfield should be considered the best place to live in America,” Hillier recalled. “Having grown up in Iowa, I wanted to return and live in a small Iowa town, especially open to innovation and cooperation with the ability to improve the quality of life for its community.”

For more information contact:

Grow Fairfield (director@growfairfield.com) – 641-472-3436

Grow Fairfield Appoints Ed Malloy as New Executive Director

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FAIRFIELD, IA – December 11, 2023 – Curtis Smith, President of Fairfield Economic Development Association dba Grow Fairfield, proudly announces that the Board of Directors has appointed Ed Malloy as its new Executive Director.  This announcement follows an extensive search process aimed at recruiting a highly qualified individual capable of expanding upon the tremendous work of previous Director, Joshua Laraby.

Curtis shared “Ed Malloy is uniquely qualified to lead Grow Fairfield given his extensive background in business, public service, and economic development.  The Board of Directors is supremely confident in Ed’s abilities, and we’re thrilled to introduce him to our members and community partners as our new Executive Director.”

Ed brings extensive knowledge of the inner workings of Fairfield, as its former mayor from 2002-2020.  He led the initiative to create a Strategic Plan for the city of Fairfield in 2002 and during his term as mayor, the community invested in infrastructure, raised its financial standing, and added amenities such as the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, the Cambridge Sportsplex and outdoor pool, and the Fairfield Loop Trail.  His leadership resulted in special designations for Fairfield like Iowa Great Places, Blue Zones, Cultural District, and the Most Entrepreneurial City in America and in Iowa.

In addition to his experience as mayor, Ed was the CEO of Danaher Oil Company until November of 2022, and most recently partnered with his brother Ken in Kembro Fuel Brokers. He also holds the position of development manager for CBC Financial of Fairfield. His knowledge of strategic planning and outstanding communication skills, combined with his economic development experience and ability to build relationships with investors, entrepreneurs, and local government officials make him a great asset to lead Grow Fairfield to continued success in the future.

Ed shared his excitement about his new role, saying “I am thrilled about the opportunity to help create a stronger local economy and build on the successful development of new businesses and job creation with all of our local partners. Fairfield is a leader in rural economic development nationally, and I look forward to adding to our standing.”

Grow Fairfield is a community-based economic development organization, that is committed to making the Greater Fairfield area a better place to live and do business by collaborating with its members, all levels of government and its community partners.

Recent initiatives include successfully welcoming Sun & Fun Motorsports to Fairfield, a new $3.1M investment in the community, opening of a new 185-space childcare center and recently completing a Housing Study and Action Plan for the City. Grow Fairfield continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing the economic vitality of the community.

Bovard Studios Brings Stained-Glass and Commercial Framing Capabilities to Weaton Companies Architectural Products Portfolio

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The Bovard Studios team designs, fabricates, and installs new stained-glass windows and restores existing stained-glass installations in historic buildings.

*Press Release shared by Weaton Companies

FAIRFIELD, IA – March 31, 2023 Weaton Companies announced today that they have acquired Bovard Studios, Inc., an award-winning provider of products and services to create, restore and preserve stained-glass windows in sacred and historic buildings across the US. Both companies are based in Fairfield, Iowa.

Bovard Studios was formed in 1985 and currently operates out of a 45,000 square foot production facility where artisans and production teams meticulously create and restore custom architectural and ecclesiastical stained-glass windows. Their team of consultants, artists, fabricators, and installers plus the company’s patented window framing and glazing system have earned them many awards including the prestigious Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award in 2020.

Nate Weaton, CEO of Weaton Companies explains the synergy between Bovard Studios and other Weaton companies. “Much of our purpose is serving the needs of the industrial, architectural and construction communities and a core skill of our team is efficiently delivering complex, custom projects. Adding custom stained-glass and commercial framing capabilities to our family of branded products just made sense.”  Weaton Companies Logo

While Bovard Studios will continue to operate independently, their sister companies Creative Edge, Terrazzo Tek and Honeycorr will enhance Bovard’s ability to serve its customers by supplying advanced manufacturing capabilities and a streamlined operational process. As a Weaton company, Bovard Studios will also benefit from dynamic supplemental leadership and access to capital for system improvements and future facility investment.

When asked about the future promise of the new partnership, Weaton said “We are excited to complement the passionate work of Ron and Fran Bovard and the entire team. Our combined efforts will assure a growing commitment to the preservation of America’s stained-glass heritage and enhance Weaton Companies ability to serve as a premier supplier of custom projects to the architecture and design community.”

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Weaton Companies

Weaton Companies is a diversified Iowa manufacturer that delivers flexible, creative, and innovative solutions to the end markets they serve through their family of independent manufacturing brands. Weaton Companies are focused on operational excellence and innovation and committed to the welfare of our community. The people who work at Weaton Companies are energized, empowered, and responsive to customer needs. The companies that join our family are aligned with our values and poised
for growth.

For immediate release
Contact: Nate Weaton, CEO, Weaton Companies
Phone: 641.209.7598 Email: nate.weaton@weatoncompanies.com

Contact: Jim Thompson, VP, Weaton Companies
Phone: 815.715.8315 Email: jim.thompson@weatoncompanies.com

Cambridge Little Achievers Center Celebrates Ribbon Cutting, Opens January 16

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Cambridge Little Achievers Center (Jefferson County Kids, Inc.) celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony with its donors and project partners with over 90 attendees, including Director Beth Townsend from Iowa Workforce Development.

Read more

City & Grow Fairfield Seek Input on Housing Needs with Community Survey

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Please Participate in the Survey by (Extended to December 11th)

www.growfairfield.com/housingsurvey

The City of Fairfield and Grow Fairfield Economic Development Association have formed a task force and are partnering to conduct a housing needs study and are asking for the community’s input to identify what type of housing is needed in the area through a short assessment survey.

“The survey is an important step in the process, and I encourage everyone to take part. High participation will allow us to get the most accurate data possible. We’re seeking a healthy cross-section from the community, including individuals who rent, who own homes, who are working or retired, and of all income levels,” said City Council Member Paul Gandy.

The survey questions inquire about current accommodations and anticipated future housing needs. All responses are anonymous. Results will be compiled by Iowa State University Extension. Key findings will guide the task force in the formation of an action plan for improving quality and accessibility. 

Gandy, who also serves as the Chair of the Housing Task Force, added, “Even if you do not plan to make a change in your housing or you work here but live outside the County, we encourage you to complete the survey as it will help with future growth planning.”

The study will provide the necessary information to make data-driven decisions, improve the City’s existing housing stock, and encourage new development. 

Joshua Laraby, Grow Fairfield’s Executive Director, said, “With nearly 3,000 people who commute into Fairfield and Jefferson County daily for work but live outside the community, we have an incredible opportunity to create housing options and grow Fairfield. We would like to thank you for taking the time to participate.” 

The final housing study is expected to be complete in January.

In addition to the 11-member task force, City Administrator Aaron Kooiker and Mayor Connie Boyer are engaged participants in the committee and process. 

Mayor, Connie Boyer, concluded, “the task force members are drawn from a good cross-section of community leaders and stakeholders committed to addressing the housing challenge in a meaningful way. I am confident they will build a solid plan.”

Mayor & City Council Appointed Fairfield Housing Task Force Members

Paul Gandy, Fairfield City Council Member
Nick Graham, Cambridge Investment Research
Chad Christensen, Fairfield Manufacturers Association
Kristin Miller, Miller Realty
Tim Bower, Fairfield Community School District
Aaron Kness, Iowa State Bank
Karl Metcalf, Iowa State Bank
Bryan Hunger, Jefferson County Health Center
Don Hoelting, Landlord, and Developer
Joshua Laraby, Grow Fairfield Economic Development Association

 

For questions regarding the housing study or the public survey, please contact Joshua Laraby at 641-472-3436 or Joshua.Laraby@growfairfield.com

New Child Care Center Names Finch as Center Director

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(FAIRFIELD, IOWA) October 27, 2022 – The Cambridge Little Achievers Center Board of Directors has named Tiffany Finch as the Center Director. Finch comes with 10 years of exceptional leadership experience in early childhood education. 

Finch’s effective start date was August 22nd and will spend the next months developing the new Center’s programming and the organization’s operations. 

“After a thorough search and many qualified candidates, Tiffany was the clear choice for leading this new Center. Tiffany shines in the areas we’re focusing on including developing a positive work culture, building strong family relationships while focusing on financial sustainability, and developing high-quality programming. We’re enthusiastic about the strong leadership she will bring to bolster this new center that is important to the community’s needs,” said Bryan Hunger, President of Cambridge Little Achievers Center Board of Directors.  

Finch previously served as a Center Director in Baxter, Iowa, for the Baxter Early Learning Center, which ultimately served 162 children and employed 35 staff. The Baxter Center recruited Finch at a time when it was experiencing financial and operational challenges. Within 12 months she led the center to a healthy financial position and increased enrollment, while building a strong   culture for the workforce. 

Most recently, Finch, was the on-site supervisor for SIEDA Headstart, a federally funded preschool program, a partnership with Cardinal Community School District. 

Heather Buckley, Elementary Principal at Cardinal Community School District, stated, “Tiffany works to reach collaborative outcomes that are in the best interest of the children and families. With her leadership she finds a balance of communicating expectations, while also supporting and modeling those to her staff in a positive manner.”

Finch has resided in Jefferson County for 3 years with her husband Matt, her two daughters, Emarie and Isabella, and son Ashtem. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, coaching basketball, softball and volleyball.   

Finch expressed, “I am grateful for this opportunity to serve as Center Director of Cambridge Little Achievers Center and even more excited to begin serving families in Fairfield and surrounding communities. My previous leadership roles has built a strong foundation for me to lead our Little Achievers. Healthy development depends on safe and positive experiences during the first few years of life. If you are a working parent or guardian, choosing child care is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child. We are excited to be a part of this journey for you and your family.”

The Board of Directors and Finch are finalizing weekly rates, hours of operation, and aiming to open in early 2023. 

Cambridge Little Achievers Center is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, and partnered with over 40 businesses, organizations and individuals to bring this new Center to fruition. 

Parents and guardians looking to add their children to an Interested List can enter their information HERE.

Those interested in future employment, can submit their information HERE

Get the most recent announcements at Cambridge Little Achievers Facebook Page