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38 39</head> 40 41<body> 42<div class="headerContainer" id="fixedHeader"> 43<div id="header"> 44 <div class="headerLogo"> 45 <a href="/"><img src="/images/logo.png" alt="Fairfield Chamber - Logo"></a> 46 </div> 47 <div class="headerLinks"> 48 <span class="headerWx"><i class="fad fa-clouds"></i><span class="conditionText"> Overcast ·</span> 52°</span> 49 <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@fairfieldiowachamber" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-fw fa-tiktok"></i></a> 50 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FairfieldAreaChamberOfCommerce" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-fw fa-facebook"></i></a> 51 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fairfieldchamber/" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-fw fa-instagram"></i></a> 52 <a href="/contact/">Contact</a> 53 <a href="/news/" class="secondary">News</a> 54 <a href="/sponsor/" class="secondary">Sponsor</a> 55 <a href="https://fairfieldareachamberofcommerceia.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Membership/Application/9p9AdqpW" target="_blank" class="mobileHeaderLink">Join</a> 56 </div> 57 <div class="topIcon"> 58 <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="icon" onclick="ccNav()"><i class="far fa-bars"></i></a> 59 </div> 60 <div class="topnav" id="myTopnav"> 61 <a href="/" class="homeLink standard">Home</a> 62 <div class="dropdown"> 63 <button class="dropbtn"><a href="/about/" class="standard">About & Benefits</a></button> 64 <div class="dropdown-content"> 65 <a href="/about/ambassadors/">Ambassadors</a> 66 <a href="/about/board/">Board of Directors</a> 67 <a href="https://www.fairfieldiowa.com/about/chamber_bucks/">Chamber Bucks</a> 68 <a href="https://www.fairfieldiowa.com/sponsor/member_spotlight/">Member Spotlight</a> 69 </div> 70 </div> 71 <div class="dropdown"> 72 <button class="dropbtn"><a href="/calendar/" class="standard">Calendar</a><span class="mobileIcon"> <i class="fa-light fa-angle-down"></i></span></button> 73 <div class="dropdown-content"> 74 <a href="/calendar/annual_events/">Chamber Events</a> 75 <a href="/calendar/">Community Calendar</a> 76 <a href="/calendar/submit/">Submit an Event</a> 77 </div> 78 </div> 79 <div class="dropdown"> 80 <button class="dropbtn"><a href="/community/" class="standard">Community</a></button> 81 </div> 82 <div class="dropdown"> 83 <button class="dropbtn"><a href="/directory/" class="standard">Directory</a></button> 84 <div class="dropdown-content"> 85 </div> 86 </div> 87 <a href="https://fairfieldareachamberofcommerceia.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Membership/Application/9p9AdqpW" class="standard headerButton" target="_blank">Join Us</a> 88 <a href="https://fairfieldareachamberofcommerceia.growthzoneapp.com/MIC/Login" class="standard headerButton" target="_blank">Member Login</a> 89 </div> 90 <div class="clear"></div> 91</div> 92</div> 93<div class="content"> 94<div class="alert"> 95 <a href="https://iowagravelseries.com/fairfield/?srsltid=AU7gw4WUVe72CVRvHx5eF0yNI9rC-qbtsOwIeq8saXX4B-RYo5uKk0vZ" target="_blank"><i class="fal fa-fw fa-bicycle"></i> Get signed up to ride the Fairfield Harvest Rush this Saturday, October 3!! <span class="alertButton">Click here <i class="fal fa-long-arrow-right"></i></span></a></div> 96 97<div class="pageHeaderContainer" style="background-image: url(/images/headers/path_87886.jpg); background-position: center center;"> 98<div id="sectionHeader"> 99 <div class="sectionPageHeader"><h1 style="text-shadow: 0 0 10px #000;">About and Benefits of Joining</h1></div> 100</div> 101</div> 102 103<div id="standardPage"> 104 <div class="standardPageIntro">Connect. Engage. Prosper.</div> <div class="contentColumns"> 105 <div class="contentLeft"> 106 <h3>Vision Statement</h3> 107 108<p><em>To be the trusted connector, voice, & champion of Fairfield’s community—leading with purpose, partnership, & progress.</em></p> 109 110<h3>Mission Statement</h3> 111 112<p><em>We support Fairfield’s growth by connecting members with tools, resources, & experiences that build a thriving, engaged community.</em></p> 113 114<h3>Our Staff</h3> 115 116<p>​The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce is operated by dedicated staff committed to community service, the advocacy of our Members and the furthering of the Fairfield mission. The Chamber plays host to monthly and annual events, dozens of committee meetings throughout the year, and a variety of gatherings each year. ​Our staff makes it happen.</p> 117 118<p><img alt="effect" height="1071" src="https://www.fairfieldiowa.com/images/general/chamber_effect_45772.jpg" width="1920" /></p> 119 120<h3><strong>WHY JOIN?? Why Joining a Chamber Helps Small and Medium Businesses</strong></h3> 121 122<p>When a business joins a local chamber of commerce, it isn't just joining a club. It is sending a message to the community.<br /> 123<br /> 124A study by the Schapiro Group shows that being a chamber member acts like a "seal of approval."<br /> 125<br /> 126It helps customers trust a business more and makes them want to shop there.</p> 127 128<h3><strong>What the Research Shows</strong></h3> 129 130<p>The Schapiro Group studied 2,000 adults to see how they felt about businesses that belonged to a chamber. The results were very clear.<br /> 131<br />
132When people know a small or medium business is a member, they think much better of it.</p> 133 134<p>Here are some of the biggest jumps in how customers feel about a business:</p> 135 136<ul> 137 <li> 138 <p>Favorability: A 44% to 49% increase in how much people like the business.</p> 139 </li> 140</ul> 141 142<ul> 143</ul> 144 145<ul> 146 <li> 147 <p>Awareness: A 51% to 73% increase in people knowing the business exists.</p> 148 </li> 149</ul> 150 151<ul> 152</ul> 153 154<ul> 155 <li> 156 <p>Reputation: A 57% to 68% increase in how much people trust the business's name.</p> 157 </li> 158</ul> 159 160<ul> 161</ul> 162 163<ul> 164 <li> 165 <p>Likelihood to Buy: An 80% increase in people wanting to buy products or services there in the future.</p> 166 </li> 167</ul> 168 169<ul> 170</ul> 171 172<h3><strong>The Power of Trust</strong></h3> 173 174<p>Why does joining a chamber help so much? The study found that it is a great way to show people that your company is honest and cares about the town.</p> 175 176<p>Being active in a chamber is:</p> 177 178<ul> 179 <li> 180 <p>29% more effective at showing you use good business practices.</p> 181 </li> 182</ul> 183 184<ul> 185</ul> 186 187<ul> 188 <li> 189 <p>26% more effective at showing your business has a good reputation.</p> 190 </li> 191</ul> 192 193<ul> 194</ul> 195 196<ul> 197 <li> 198 <p>13% more effective at showing you care about your customers.</p> 199 </li> 200</ul> 201 202<ul> 203</ul> 204 205<p>If a business owner is very active, like sitting on the chamber's board, customers are 12% more likely to believe their products are better than the competition.</p> 206 207<h3><strong>Results for Different Businesses</strong></h3> 208 209<p>The study looked at specific types of businesses to see how they benefited from being in a chamber.</p> 210 211<ul> 212 <li> 213 <p>Restaurants: If a restaurant is a chamber member, people are 68% more likely to eat there in the next few months.</p> 214 </li> 215</ul> 216 217<ul> 218</ul> 219 220<ul> 221 <li> 222 <p>Insurance Companies: Membership makes people 36% more likely to think well of the company and 43% more likely to buy insurance from them.</p> 223 </li> 224</ul> 225 226<ul> 227</ul> 228 229<ul> 230 <li> 231 <p>Car Dealers: Dealers see a 31% increase in people wanting to buy their next car there if they are chamber members.</p> 232 </li> 233</ul> 234 235<ul> 236</ul> 237 238<h3><strong>The "Awareness Gap"</strong></h3> 239 240<p>Even though people love chambers, there is still a big opportunity for businesses to grow. A 2024 ACCE survey found that 81% of adults trust their local chamber, but only 40% actually know which businesses are members.</p> 241 242<p>This means businesses need to tell people they are members!<br /> 243<br /> 244When customers know a business is in the chamber, 64% are more likely to buy from them, and 63% are more likely to recommend them to a friend.</p> 245 <h3>Staff</h3> 246<style type="text/css"> 247.boardMembers { margin: 0 -10px; width: calc(100% + 20px); display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; } 248.boardMember { width: calc(50% - 20px); margin: 10px; display: flex; background: #E5E5E5; } 249.boardPhoto { width: 135px; margin-right: 10px; text-align: center; background: #CCC; height: 135px; overflow: hidden; } 250.boardPhoto i { font-size: 80px; line-height: 135px; color: #FFF; } 251.boardPhoto img { margin: 0 !important; } 252.boardInfo { width: calc(100% - 145px); font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; padding: 5px 0 0; } 253.boardInfo h3 { margin: 0 0 5px; } 254.boardInfo p { margin: 5px 0 0; } 255.boardInfo p a.button { font-size: 16px; } 256.boardBio b { margin-bottom: -30px; } 257 258@media screen and (max-width: 1000px) { 259 .boardMember { width: calc(100% - 20px); } 260} 261</style> 262<div class="boardMembers"> 263<div class="boardMember"> 264 <div class="boardPhoto"> 265 <img src="/images/staff/mendy_mcadams_11883.jpg"> </div> 266 <div class="boardInfo"> 267 <h3>Mendy McAdams</h3> 268 Executive Director<br> 269 641-472-2111 <p><a data-fancybox data-src="#boardBio-1" href="javascript:;" class="button">Biography</a></p> </div> 270 <div class="boardDetails" style="display: none;" id="boardBio-1"> 271 <h3>Mendy McAdams</h3> 272 <b>Executive Director</b><br> 273 641-472-2111 <p><strong>Mendy McAdams</strong> is the Executive Director of the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce, a role she assumed in <strong>February 2022</strong>
273Based in Ottumwa, Iowa, Mendy brings high energy and a deep commitment to community and business growth.</p> 274 275<p>Her professional journey is diverse: she holds an associate degree from Indian Hills Community College and degrees in education and special education from William Penn University. She began her career teaching special education in Oskaloosa before transitioning into roles such as newspaper editor, fundraising and marketing director at Tenco, and development director (and acting director during COVID) at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center </p> 276 277<p>At the Chamber, Mendy has spearheaded numerous enhancements: revamped the website and weekly “Chamber Chatter” e-newsletter, introduced Member Mixers, expanded events like the Blast Off Golf Tournament and Barnyard Bash, and upgraded holiday lighting downtown—all aimed at boosting member engagement and community vibrancy.</p> 278 279<p>Mendy is known for her passion for relationship-building and her drive to help local businesses thrive. She lives on her family’s Heritage Farm in What Cheer, commuting to Fairfield, and takes pride in supporting both local commerce and community life.</p> </div> 280</div> 281<div class="boardMember"> 282 <div class="boardPhoto"> 283 <img src="/images/staff/claire_reid_40168.jpg"> </div> 284 <div class="boardInfo"> 285 <h3>Claire Reid</h3> 286 Chamber Administrator<br> 287 641-472-2111 <p><a data-fancybox data-src="#boardBio-2" href="javascript:;" class="button">Biography</a></p> </div> 288 <div class="boardDetails" style="display: none;" id="boardBio-2"> 289 <h3>Claire Reid</h3> 290 <b>Chamber Administrator</b><br> 291 641-472-2111 <p>Claire grew up in Fairfield and has always been deeply connected to the community. After earning her nursing degrees from Indian Hills Community College and Chamberlain College of Nursing, she worked locally as a registered nurse before making a career shift into retail, where she owned and operated a clothing boutique. In October 2024, Claire joined the Chamber as Administrator, where she oversees communications, newsletters, the community calendar, membership onboarding and renewals, and daily office operations. She and her husband Brian have four children, most of whom are grown and living locally, and their youngest is active at Fairfield High School in basketball, track, and baseball. Outside of work, Claire enjoys walking, reading, puzzles, cheering on her kids, and spending time with her goldendoodle, Sadie.</p> </div> 292</div> 293<div class="boardMember"> 294 <div class="boardPhoto"> 295 <img src="/images/staff/ethan_bisgard_25783.jpg"> </div> 296 <div class="boardInfo"> 297 <h3>Ethan Bisgard</h3> 298 Intern </div> 299 <div class="boardDetails" style="display: none;" id="boardBio-3"> 300 <h3>Ethan Bisgard</h3> 301 <b>Intern</b> </div> 302</div> 303</div> 304 </div> 305 <div class="contentRight"> 306 <h3>​Chamber Board</h3> 307 308<p>Get to know our executive committee, board of directors, and ex-officio members.</p> 309 310<p><a class="button" target="_blank" href="/about/board/">Board Members</a></p> 311 312<h3>Ambassadors</h3> 313 314<p>Welcome new businesses into the Chamber family, connect with potential members, and more by serving as a Chamber ambassador.</p> 315 316<p><a class="button" target="_blank" href="/about/ambassadors/">Amabassor Information</a></p> 317 318<p> </p> 319 320<h3>Member Spotlight</h3> 321 322<p>Celebrating one of our outstanding members!</p> 323 324<p><a class="button" target="_blank" href="/sponsor/member_spotlight/">Member Spotlight</a></p> 325 326<p> </p> 327 328<h3>Chamber Chatter</h3> 329 330<p>Our weekly e-newsletter featuring all the area events and helpful information from a variety of sources. Wellness tips, recipes, grant information and more. </p> 331 332<p>Sponsor Chamber Chatter and get your logo on EVERY issue and here!</p> 333 334<p> </p> 335 336<h3>Main Street Fairfield</h3> 337 338<p>Find your facts about Main Street Iowa!</p> 339 340<p><a class="button" target="_blank" href="/sponsor/main_street/">Main Street</a></p> 341 </div> 342 </div> 343 </div> 344 345</div> 346 347<div class="homeFeatureSection cta" style="background:linear-gradient(to right, rgba(244, 155, 30, 0.75), rgba(244, 155, 30, 0.75)), url(
347/images/cta/subscribe_to_our_enewsletter_chamber_chatter_54001.jpg); background-size: cover; background-position: center center;"> 348 <div class="homeCTA"> 349 <h3>Subscribe to our e-newsletter: Chamber Chatter.</h3> 350 <p>Join the list of folks receiving Chamber Chatter every Monday morning. Upcoming events, news, and more delivered to your inbox.</p> 351 <a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/9YLAvYQ">Join today</a> 352 </div> 353</div> 354<div class="footerContainer"> 355<div id="footer"> 356 <div class="footerInfo"> 357 204 W Broadway Ave<br> 358 Fairfield, IA 52556<br> 359 (641) 472-2111<br> 360 <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></div> 361 <div class="footerLogo"> 362 <a href="/"><img src="/images/favicon.png"></a> 363 </div> 364 <div class="footerLinks"> 365 Monday - Friday<br> 366 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.<br> 367 <span style="margin: 10px 0 0; display: block;"> 368 <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@fairfieldiowachamber" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-fw fa-tiktok"></i></a> 369 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FairfieldAreaChamberOfCommerce" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-fw fa-facebook"></i></a> 370 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fairfieldchamber/" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-fw fa-instagram"></i></a> 371 </span> 372 </div> 373</div> 374</div> 375<div id="credit"> 376 <div class="container"> 377 <div class="copyright">©2026 Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce<br> 378 All or most of the photos were provided by <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/wernerelmker/home" target="_blank">Werner Elmker Audio-Visual Studio</a>.</div> 379 <div class="poweredBy"><a href="//www.neapolitanlabs.com/">powered by <img src="https://neapolitanlabs.education/images/footer/full_color.png"></a></div> 380 <div class="clear"></div> 381 </div> 382</div> 383</div>
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