Main Street & Chamber merger

The Executive Committees of Jefferson Matters: Main Street and Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce have been working together for a merger agreement.  Peg Raney, Executive Director for the past five years, has indicated her plan to retire in May. The plan is to hire a full-time executive director for the organization and retain Beth VanderWilt as the administrative assistant with both located at The Welcome Center at Thomas Jefferson Gardens.

The Exec Boards worked with the City of Jefferson City Administrator Mike Palmer and City Council member Harry Ahrenholtz.  They also met with Main Street Iowa Coordinator Michael Wagler through Zoom to hear how other communities have merged successfully.  He emphasized the need to continue the Main Street philosophy and National Standards for Accreditation.  The Jefferson Matters brand is known through the state of Iowa and nationally with the recognition they have experienced so encouraged to continue with that brand.  Jefferson Matters: Main Street & Chamber.

The funding to move from a part-time to a full-time position has been a focus. The City continued to fund Main Street with $20,000 through the general budget.  The Chamber received $30,000 through hotel/motel tax.  To help with the additional cost, the City has indicated interest for an additional $20,000 of hotel/motel.  The position will not be a city employee with benefits at this time.

Please see the ad for the Executive Director position in the newsletter and in our local media.