One year ago today I published the first article on Fairfield Voice, titled Citizens Call For Regulation of Cell Phone Towers. What I didn’t realize when I posted that article was that at the same time, in places like Seattle, New York and New Jersey, there were other entrepreneurs exploring ways of publishing news targeted at local audiences. And now one year later, the term hyperlocal has become ubiquitous not just in college journalism departments, but also among senior executives at media giants like AOL, Yahoo, New York Times and NBC. Just look at the type of acquisitions those companies have made in the last six months and you will see a focus on hyperlocal news sites.

Fairfield Voice was largely a labor of love for me until I met Mark Cohen and learned that he saw the same future for local news creation and distribution that I saw, and so we decided to become partners. Over the past six months we’ve worked out the kinks on Fairfield Voice and are now ready to take the same technology and marketing platform, and offer it as a turnkey model for other communities in the Midwest.

We’re calling this venture

Utilizing the technology we built for Fairfield Voice, we intend to provide local news entrepreneurs with the ability to quickly and easily set up and run a Powered by Voice site with minimal investment other than their time. Our mission with this model is to build a network of hyperlocal news organizations and in the process, provide new revenue opportunities for entrepreneurs and writers, increased value for business marketers wishing to engage with local audiences, and foster creation of local news and reporting to communities.

I’ll be the first to admit that when it comes to the future of local news creation and publishing, I don’t have all the answers. But I do believe that the local printed news models will inevitably become unprofitable for a variety of reasons, and therefore the business of creating and publishing local news requires a dramatic transformation. The transformation will include reductions and shifts in overhead, crowd sourced content, community driven journalism, seamless integration with social media spaces, distribution to mobile platforms and the agility to constantly adapt the models of distribution to a shifting technology landscape. A big challenge, but also big opportunity for both veteran journalists and citizen journalists, small business entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in participating in news as a dialogue rather than news as a broadcast.

So where do we go from here?

• We are looking for more regular contributors to Fairfield Voice. There are opportunities for qualified writers to get paid for covering news in Fairfield and SE Iowa. While we can’t pay for opinion and blog related content, we can offer an expanding publishing network and thousands of readers a month. Bloggers on Fairfield Voice are now getting re-published on regional networks.
• We are looking for other communities in the Midwest who want their own Powered by Voice site. The ideal candidate will be a business starter, passionate about publishing engaging content for their community, and building a local sustainable business to earn extra income for themselves and a handful of writers.

To learn more or get started contact us at Powered by Voice.

Thanks for all your support over the year. The team at Fairfield Voice is looking forward to a bigger year in 2010 in terms of covering the issues important to you. And as always, keep the feedback coming!

Tickets are now available for the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards Banquet Presented by MidWestOne Bank, happening the evening of March 11 at Best Western Fairfield Inn. Fairfield City Councilman and attorney Myron Gookin returns for an encore performance as the evening’s emcee, as do award presenters Terry Baker and Jane Anne Harl, who will name winners in more than ten award categories.

The slate of programming awaiting those attending the celebration and dinner includes the Business. Community. Pride. Awards, which were first introduced in 2009, as well as time-honored traditions like the naming of the Libertyville Savings Bank Citizen of the Year, said Brent Willett, Chamber executive director.

“Every award we’ll hand out March 11 is designed to recognize investment and innovation on the part of Fairfield business and community institutions,” he said. “Be it capital improvements, resource redeployment, new media, or lifelong accomplishment, the Banquet is about celebrating progress in this community.”

In addition to the Business. Community. Pride. Awards, the Chamber will name a 2010 Citizen of the Year, which is awarded each year to the most outstanding Fairfield citizen. In 2009, Melva Dahl and Dr. Donal Hill were named Co-Citizens of the Year. Past winners of the prestigious honor determine the honoree(s) each year.

Aside from the awards, other Banquet programming will include a report on the City of Fairfield from Mayor Ed Malloy, remarks from Fairfield Economic Development Association President Pat Doyle, a “Night on the Town” basket silent auction and a photo slideshow of winners.

Award winners will be named in the following categories:

• Libertyville Savings Bank Citizen of the Year
  • Outstanding Fairfield citizen
• Cambridge Impact Award
  • Recognizing a longtime Chamber member who has made outstanding contributions to the Chamber and the community
• Progress Award
  • Business improvement or New Young Business of the year
• New Young Business Awards
  • Recognizing those businesses who entered their first year of existence in 2009 and who made marked improvements to their space of operation or product delivery
• Business Improvement Awards
  • Recognizing those businesses which made marked improvements to their space of operation in the last year
• Community Improvement Awards
  • Recognizing those community projects which made marked improvements to their theatre of operation in the last year
• Rising Star Award
  • Chamber member in its second or third year which has made outstanding early contributions to the Fairfield Area
• Chamber of Commerce
  • Adaptation Award
• Business which has redefined itself in the community or its marketplace over the last year. A transformation of purpose or product.
  • Interactive Media Award
• Web site/blog of the year
  • Web site/blog of the year
• President’s Award
  • Recognizing one outstanding contributor to the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce in 2009

The Annual Banquet, which begins with a cocktail hour at 5:45 pm and includes dinner, has sold out for the past several years, and reservations are required. Tickets are $30 and are available at the Chamber office at 204 West Broadway. Contact the Chamber by phone at 641-472-2111 or chamber@fairfieldiowa.com to reserve tickets.

For more information on the Annual Banquet, visit FairfieldIowa.com.

The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advocacy of its more than 350 member partners. The Chamber produces dozens of community events year-round and works with local, state, regional and national partners to improve the Fairfield’s business environment and quality of life. The Chamber’s 204 West Broadway offices also house the offices of the Fairfield Economic Development Association.

The new Hy-Vee store planned for Fairfield will be the company’s second store built in accordance with LEED certification standards, Hy-Vee officials announced today.

This fantastic news is not only exciting for the quality of service the facility will bring consumers; but means that this site, identified as a priority site for storm water runoff capture, will incorporate best practices in sustainable construction.

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the nationally accepted benchmark for environmentally sustainable construction. Developed and administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, the LEED certification program provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets certain standards for lowering operating costs, reducing waste, conserving resources and providing a healthy environment for occupants and visitors.

In October, Hy-Vee opened its first LEED-eligible retail store in Madison, WI and is awaiting word on the status of its LEED certification application, said Jeff Markey, Assistant Vice President, Engineering/Construction for Hy-Vee. Markey said Fairfield will become the company’s second LEED-eligible project when construction on the new store begins this spring.

Hy-Vee previously had announced plans to build a new 64,000-square-foot store (almost double the size of the current store it replaces) at Burlington and South 14th Street, behind the Burger King. Plans for the new store have not been completed, but it is expected to include a pharmacy with drive-up service, a wine & spirits store, a floral shop and a food court with Chinese and Italian departments.

Many conservation groups in town have been eyeing this site with hope and concern. The Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District received a watershed development grant to study the Indian Creek watershed, and Pathfinders RC&D coordinated with the Iowa Conservation Corps to do an urban assessment.

After this six month process the new Hy-Vee location was identified as a top priority site to capture and infiltrate storm water runoff because of its position above a tributary of Indian Creek. Ongoing conversations between the Sustainability Coordinator for Hy-Vee, Mike Smith, and the Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Fairfield, Scott Timm, have built a relationship that highlights the City’s commitment to sustainability as well as the strong dedication of Hy-Vee to engage with our community.

Seeking LEED certification means that design of construction will take into account impact on waterways – thus this is a big win for the city and those who are located downstream of our watershed.

Commenting on the Hy-Vee decision to go LEED Certified, Mayor Malloy stated, “We have all contributed to building an environment where these decisions are made because of the commitment our city has made.”

As an integral part of its ongoing efforts to support the FACC, the “300 for 100” program will raise the $360,000 necessary to supplement 2010 revenues, acquire needed furnishings and equipment, and seed an endowment fund.

“Not unlike similar facilities across the country, the FACC requires  a donor supported annual fund to ensure its sustainability” commented FACC fundraising chairman Bob Ferguson. “The 300 for 100 campaign will go a long way towards enabling the Center to continue to provide its far reaching social and economic benefits to the citizens of Fairfield.”

The campaign seeks to capitalize on the positive momentum the Center has already experienced with fundraising, having raised $460,000 in 2009 from hundreds of businesses, organizations, and individuals.

With an initial focus on those prior donors, the campaign’s goal is to encourage 300 people to donate an average of $100 a month. Primarily through a mailing initiative in December, the Center has already raised $123,000 toward its $360,000 goal.

The FACC board will initiate another phase of the campaign this week by personally contacting prior donors. The campaign will also be supported by: an informational kiosk in the Civic Center lobby, inserts within programs at FACC events, the Center’s Facebook Fan Page, the FACC website, and www.FairfieldCenterInfo.com – which in addition to containing an updated FACC business plan, allows individuals to contribute online.

Image by Guy Harvey

The Fairfield Entrepreneurs Association (FEA), Fairfield Economic Development Association (FEDA) and Fairfield First announced the 2010 Local Economy Stimulus program, including a new micro-enterprise loan and access to equity capital, at the third annual Local Economy Summit held on Saturday, February 13 at Fairfield Public Library and attended by 50 people.

The Community Vitality Center recently awarded a $10,000 matching grant to Pathfinders Resource and Conservation District, FEA, Hometown Harvest of Southeast Iowa, and the Sustainable Living Coalition. The grant will be used to provide micro-enterprise loans for local food and energy-savings entrepreneurs in Southeast Iowa, as well as technical assistance and consulting services for those companies.

Elisabet Humble, local food coordinator for Hometown Harvest of Southeast Iowa, and John Dey, one of the owners of Everybody’s, said market demand was strong for more local food production. Dey suggested adding additional greenhouses in Fairfield to supply the local market.

Part of the CVC grant will be used to complete a feasibility study for a solar-heater hot water revolving loan fund for residents in Fairfield. According, to Lonnie Gamble, Assistant Professor of Sustainable Living at MUM, hot water uses 25% of the energy in an average home.

Dave Neff from Iowa State Bank said that plans are in the works for local bankers to provide renewable energy home improvement loans similar to the Fairfield Revitalization loan program. Neff also stated that Iowa State Bank was encouraging companies to take advantage of SBA loan financing this year because the loan guarantee is 90% with no loan fees for applications submitted prior to September 2010.

Burt Chojnowski reported that he was able to help secure a $6 million investment in a $75 million regional capital fund that will be actively seeking investments in Fairfield-based information technology, web-based, software, and specialty food businesses.

Brett Willett, Vice President of FEDA, reported that he and his staff have been working with Fairfield’s top 40 employers to nurture and support retention and expansion of jobs and training within Fairfield’s existing workforce.

Fairfield’s business sector is expected to see a 20% energy savings this year, according to Fairfield’s Green Business Council President, Ken Ross, CEO of Global ID. The Green Business Council includes manufacturers, office building owners, and non-profit building owners. The group has developed a game plan to audit and apply best technology and conservation practices to save money for local businesses.

Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) revenues have increased annually by 40% since 2001, according to Mayor Ed Malloy. He said the increase was due to the revitalization of Fairfield’s downtown retail economy due to Buy Local campaigns, the Revitalization Loan Program, Fairfield Art Walk, and Fairfield Arts and Convention Center (FACC). When asked it the May 4th election to use 12.5% of the LOST revenues to purchase the FACC would take away from other needed programs, Mayor Malloy said that these funds are discretionary and are not currently allocated for any other use. He also said that the expected purchase price of $1.15 million would be a way to protect the city’s previous investment of $1.6 million. Burt Chojnowski added that the $2.75 million total investment by the city was much less than the $8 million value of the property. Bob Ferguson, in charge of the fund-raising committee for FACC, said they have launched a 300 for $100 program to provide ongoing operational support and sustainability for FACC—and that a new initiative to secure 300 individuals or business pledges of $100 per month was underway.

FEA announced the publication of the 2010 Fairfield Business Review that will include the Fairfield entrepreneurial story and profiles of area businesses. The last Fairfield Business Review was published in 1980, and the 2010 edition will be available in print and online. The benefit for local businesses is to help tell their stories, increase customers, attract employees, and improve Internet search engine placement. Mario Van Dijk, FEA President, also announced a six-month mentoring program in marketing and social media to be led by Mark Cohen of Colloquy beginning in February.

Fairfield 1st Fridays Art Walk Executive Director Jeananne Robins submitted her resignation Monday, citing conflict with the event’s exectuive board of directors.  Robins said the board undermined her ability to perform her roles as the director of the Art Walk.  She likened the situation to too many head chefs in a kitchen. “It’s not fair to the city and the art walk to hire and executive director and have her only do the job of an executive assistant,” Robins said.

“The Art Walk board of directors has accepted the resignation of Jeananne and wishes her well in her future endeavors.  Her leaving is unfortunate yet was inevitable,” said a statement from Terry Baker, president of the board.  “The board is considering its options and formulating a plan that ensures the continuity and success of the Art Walk.  I am very confident in the Art Walk board.  They are a dedicated team and have been committed to working toward the Art Walk’s continued success for many years now,” added Baker.

Robins, who was hired in August, is the third Art Walk director since Cathy Wadsworth was hired as the event’s first professional director in August 2007.  Funding for Wadsworth’s position came from a matching Iowa Community Culture Grant given by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.  Amy Kettenburg and JoBeth Lewer also filled the Art Walk position prior to Robins’ hiring last August.

by Phyllis Khare

During the current fiscal year, the position was funded by $35,000 from Fairfield’s Local Options Sales Tax community betterment fund — that money also went to advertising and event expenses.  Prior to 2007, the event was run entirely by volunteers — a circumstance that Robins believes has contributed to the present state.

“The past board of directors had to act as executive directors.  It’s been hard for them to reverse that level of service, ” Robins said.  Her issues are with the few members of the executive board, who have individually countered her authority while serving on various committees. Robins acknowledged the board’s authority over her when acting as a single entity.  As the Art Walk’s executive director, Robins also felt she was kept out of the loop on too many details.  She cited and upcoming Art Walk that has been almost entirely organized by a board member as an example.

“This is not a club.  We need to sustain ourselves, The way to do that is to implement systems and run the event like a business,” Robins said.

“I don’t know what the solution is at this point.  I love the Art Walk, ” she said, “I just want to see the Art Walk survive, and I don’t think it can the way it is run right now.”

Baker was confident the Art Walk board would handle the matter and ensure the event’s future success. “As many of you can imagine, running an event every month of the year requires special skills and stanima, and I am very proud of this board for its flexibiulity and focus towerd the Art Walk’s continutity,” said Baker.