Hiring Executive Director

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FAIRFIELD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (FEDA)
Fairfield, IA
9-28-23

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
REPORTS TO: Board of Directors

SUPERVISES: All staff, volunteers and resources associated with FEDA.

FUNCTIONS: The Executive Director is the Chief Administrative Officer and is charged with the responsibility of supervision and management of FEDA and the general promotion and business related to FEDA.

Administrative responsibilities include: strategic planning, fundraising, marketing and communications, finance and budgets, management of rental properties, community and governmental relations, negotiations, event management, state and federal initiatives and programs, volunteer management and recruitment and annual program of work development.

QUALIFICATIONS: The preferred candidate will have economic development / community relations experience at some level along with a Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.

Candidates should also be capable of demonstrating skill sets and personal traits that show strong LEADERSHIP, COMMUNICATIONS, ORGANIZATION, CREATIVITY, MOTIVATION AND REASONING abilities.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Negotiable depending on applicable experience. A general salary range of $50-70K/ year is a target but exceptions will be made for exceptional talent.

Interested candidates apply by email to:
Jeff Ploeger – Ploeger Recruiting Services
Jeff@PloegerRecruiting.com
319-759-4464 MOBILE

Grow Fairfield Responds to Housing Need, Acquires 35-Acres for New Housing

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FAIRFIELD, IOWA (August 10, 2023) Grow Fairfield Economic Development Association (formerly FEDA) is pleased to announce it has acquired a 35-acre site to be developed for a new residential subdivision. This strategic procurement aligns with the recent housing study carried out in partnership with the City of Fairfield Housing Task Force. The study underscores a demand for a minimum of 220 new housing units in the upcoming decade. 

Located in the southern entrance to Fairfield, just West of Jefferson County Health Center and adjacent to the recently established Cambridge Little Achievers Center, the 35-acre site to be named, Sunrise Trail Subdivision, occupies a strategic position for new workforce housing and is expected to support 30-40 new housing units. 

The recently completed housing study highlights ‘workforce’ and ‘middle’ housing as one of the critical priorities within our community. In response, the new residential subdivision will primarily focus on fostering these housing types. The initiative aligns with a developing comprehensive strategy to meet the diverse housing needs in the community, including a priority of retaining and growing a robust workforce. 

Grow Fairfield’s acquisition entails collaborative agreements with the new Cambridge Little Achievers Center for a future access drive to the site, and upon request, the City of Fairfield extended partial financing support, approving a repayable $200,000, zero-percent loan to Grow Fairfield for the acquisition, reaffirming housing as a top priority for growing Fairfield. 

Curtis Smith, Board President of Grow Fairfield, said,  “This acquisition aligns with our strategic goal of spearheading housing initiatives. 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 and Cambridge Little Achievers Center for their support in this pivotal phase.”  

Site and infrastructure planning will begin this fall.

About Grow Fairfield Economic Development Association:
Celebrating 45 years, Grow Fairfield Economic Development Association is a public-private partnership committed to fostering sustainable 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 resilient and forward acting community that attracts investment, cultivates a healthy business climate, and improves the overall quality of life for residents. 

 

Media Contact:
Joshua Laraby, Executive Director
joshua.laraby@growfairfield.com
641.472.3436

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

LABORSHED STUDY TO BE CONDUCTED IN FAIRFIELD

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 Grow Fairfield Economic Development Association is partnering with Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Economic Development Authority to complete a Laborshed employment study for the Fairfield area. This study will geographically define which communities contribute to Fairfield’s workforce, regardless of political boundaries. This defined area is called a Laborshed area and is based upon commuting patterns.

The purpose of this Laborshed study is to measure the availability and characteristics of Fairfield area workers. Laborshed studies are useful tools for economic development teams and existing or prospective employers to understand the local labor market, make informed expansion and site selection decisions, and maintain/recruit a high-quality workforce.

The Laborshed boundary is based on the place of residence of individuals commuting into the Fairfield area for employment. For the success of this study, we will be sending letters to employers in Fairfield asking that they provide us with aggregate counts of their employees’ residential ZIP codes. This reporting will give us an understanding of where each community’s workforce resides.

“Employers will be contacted in the next few weeks and we encourage all employers to participate in the laborshed study. The study helps provide the collective information for workforce and economic development initiatives,” said, Josh Laraby, Executive Director for Grow Fairfield.

Every year Iowa Workforce Development conducts Laborshed studies across the State. The results of each analysis are publicly available online at www.iowalmi.gov/laborshed. If you have any questions about the Laborshed project, please contact Katie Lippold at 515-281-3035 or Joshua Laraby, Grow Fairfield 641-472-3436

Thank you for your support and participation.
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Fairfield Lions Club Donates $10K to Child Care

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FAIRFIELD, IOWA (May 3, 2021) In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of its charter, the Fairfield Lions Club is making a $10,000 supporting contribution to the Jefferson County Kids Early Childhood Learning Center.

The Fairfield Lions Club was founded by Dr. J.S. Gaumer and several interested individuals on May 5, 1921 to embody the Lions’ motto, “We Serve”, in Fairfield. The current Club President, Dorian Atwood, said, “We are here because we want Fairfield to be a better place for all of us to live.”

The club annually fundraises and donates approximately $20,000 to groups, organizations, and activities in the local community, and it regularly supports the Fairfield High School Activities Fund and the Fairfield Come to Supper event. It puts a high priority on children and especially their eyesight through its Kids Sight Program that screens preschoolers and send images to the University of Iowa Medical School, Department o Ophthalmology, for early diagnosis of vision problems. The Club also assists the Iowa Lions Eye Bank for cornea transplants and the Iowa Lions Sight Conservation Foundation.

“We thank the Fairfield Lions Club for its partnership. This generous donation and investment will serve the Fairfield area for years to come,” said Terri Kness, Jefferson County Kids, Board Member.

Administrative Assistant/Project Coordinator

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Position Overview:

Fairfield Economic Development Association is searching for an organized, dynamic, dependable, and self-motivated Administrative Assistant-Project Coordinator to join the economic development staff team. This position reports directly to the Executive Director and assists in performing a variety of diverse administrative and technical work for implementation of economic and community development plans, programs, and projects. At a glance, the position is responsible for supporting the organizations day-to-day operations and assists with moving economic development projects forward.
This is a part-time position is up to 20 hours per week. Some local travel within Fairfield and adjacent counties is necessary for this position to attend meetings, along with commitment to some weekend and evening community development engagements as they arise.

Skillset & Proficiency for Success:
Administrative assistant experience, high quality customer service skills and project management experience along with lucid writing and verbal communication skills will all be needed to be successful in the position. The selected candidate will be able to meet project deadlines and have or show developable project leadership skills. Knowledge of and fluency in Microsoft Office Suite is essential: Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher and Outlook.

Additional Beneficial Experience:
Experience in any of the following would be helpful [but not required] to the candidate selected: marketing, membership relations, mass communications, property management, community development, economic development.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and references to Joshua Laraby, Executive Director, at Joshua.Laraby@growfairfield.com with “Admin Assistant-Project Coordinator Resume” in the subject line. The position will remain open until filled.

About Fairfield Economic Development Association:
Fairfield Economic Development Association is a not-for-profit organization, established in 1977 with its core mission to: “Sustain and improve the quality of life of the citizen’s in Fairfield, Iowa throughout targeted economic development initiatives and programs.” FEDA works closely with local community development organizations, financial institutions, and businesses, as well as agencies and elected officials in local, county, state and federal government to help facilitate economic growth in Fairfield.

The list of duties and responsibilities on this job description are not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MidWestOne Bank Partners on Child Care Center

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Pictured left-to-right: Joshua Laraby, Teri Bockting, Kate Van Pelt, Ron Haines (MidwestOne Bank), Terri Kness, Todd Reifsteck

 

(FAIRFIELD, IOWA) MidWestOne Bank in Fairfield and the MidWestOne Foundation have raised the bar and pledged $25,000 to the Jefferson County Kids Child Care Center.

Ron Haines, Fairfield Branch MidWestOne Bank, Market President, announced, “Giving is not just about making a donation, it is about making a difference. As a community bank, we know the importance of making a difference in the communities we are in. The Jefferson County Kids Early Childhood Learning Center is a key community project that is needed in our growing community. MidWestOne Bank is proud to be making a difference and partnering with this project.”

The Jefferson County Kids Board of Directors is actively fundraising for their $3.5M Capital Campaign to add a 188 space child care center to Fairfield, Iowa.

Terri Kness, Jefferson County Kids, Board Member, “We are thankful to our local MidWestOne branch and the MidWestOne Foundation for supporting the fundraising efforts of the Jefferson County Kids child care facility. We are hoping to reach our fundraising goal very soon.”

Media Contact:

Ron Haines
641-472-6511