The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the best of the local business community at its annual banquet Thursday, April 16th at the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center, handing out nearly two dozen awards to outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals. Joneane Parker served as master of ceremonies for the evening, a role she has filled for approximately a decade.
Chamber Executive Director Mendy McAdams opened the evening by reflecting on a strong year for the organization, noting the chamber welcomed 36 new members in 2025 and now counts 277 total members. She also previewed that the chamber will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year in 2027. The presenting sponsor for the evening was Midwest One Bank, which has supported the banquet for more than three decades.
Award Winners
Brady and Danie Hill of Impact Fitness received the Business Improvement Award after completely transforming the former Winn Corp building on West Grimes Avenue into a modern seven-suite fitness facility that now serves 110 to 120 clients daily.
Jim and Beverly Yule received the Agricultural Award for their decades-long commitment to soil health and conservation on their approximately 2,000-acre farm in the Packwood area, where they have practiced no-till farming since 1998 and integrated cover crops since 2010.
Adam and Dana Conilogue of Fairfield Universal Therapy received the Best Kept Secret Award for their physical therapy clinic on South Main Street, which has grown since opening in 2012 to include four physical therapists and a full support staff offering individualized treatment to patients of all kinds.
The Symmetry Music and Arts Festival received the Tourism Award. Heading into its third year and set for October 2nd and 3rd in southwest Jefferson County, the festival drew an estimated 20 percent increase in local population during its second year, with hotels, restaurants, and shops all feeling the impact of the growing event.
Joneane Parker received the Chamber Past President Award — a surprise for someone who spends the evening celebrating everyone else. Parker served as board president twice, dedicated 45 years to the Jefferson County Health Center, and has been involved in countless community organizations. She is a previous Citizen of the Year and member of the Fairfield High School Wall of Honor.
The 11th class of Leadership Fairfield received their diplomas, with Alexis Megrath of Fairfield High School making history as the first high school student ever to complete the program. Other graduates included Bridget Mellott, Mary Ellis, Beth Alonso, Cheyenne Hixson, Christy Heckethorn, Claire Reid, Courtney Ubben, Danielle Townsend, Hailey Shultz, Hemlata Cal-El, Jennifer Bodine, Kristen Civin, Matthew Groenendyk, Shane Woodsmall, and Som Sylavong.
Sky Factory received the Manufacturer of the Year Award for its innovative virtual skylight and immersive visual environment products, which use 4K video technology to recreate the look of natural settings in interior spaces. The company sources many components domestically and employs 33 people, many of whom are long-tenured.
The Barbershop on Broadway received the Service Business of the Year Award. Founded in 2024 by Joey Haynes and Dylan Gridley and later joined by Zach Simpson and a fourth barber, the shop has quickly outgrown its original space and built a loyal following while giving back to the community through free haircuts for students and youth sports involvement.
Main Street Fairfield received the Project of the Year Award after being officially selected as a Main Street Iowa program in August 2025 following an earlier unsuccessful application. Led by Executive Director Jill Lane, the organization is focused on downtown revitalization, historic preservation, and connecting property owners with available grant funding.
Taco Dreams, Emily O’Connor’s Mexican cuisine restaurant inside The Collective on North Fourth Street, received the Restaurant of the Year Award for its fresh, locally sourced menu and welcoming atmosphere.
Cari Anderson’s flower shop Petal received the Retailer of the Year Award for its exceptional customer service, community partnerships, and commitment to supporting other local entrepreneurs through retail space and collaborative events.
Helen Drish of Hush and Co. received the Rising Star Award. At 23 years old, Drish owns and operates a full-service esthetician business offering a wide range of skin care treatments while giving back through local charitable efforts.
Ryan Holthus received the Young Professional of the Year Award for an impressive record of community service that spans the Fairfield Fire Department, Kiwanis, the Elks Club, the Pekin Sports Board, Jefferson County Conservation, and the chamber, among many others.
Liberty Communications received the Economic Impact Award after purchasing Natel in 2022 and building a major new facility on Ninth Street that now serves as the hub for its growing regional broadband operation.
Cedar Rose Spa, operated by Rebecca Lansky and Melissa Mahon, received the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for building a comprehensive day spa experience that is soon to expand with two Airbnb units within the building.
Pekin High School senior Maggy Dickey received the Student Employee of the Year Award along with a $1,000 scholarship from Indian Hills Community College, where she has been accepted into the dental hygiene program. Dickey took the initiative to contact Fairfield Dental Clinic about job shadowing, which turned into a part-time position, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and staying active in numerous school organizations.
Libertyville Savings Bank received the Legacy Award as it celebrates 125 years in business. Founded in 1901 and rooted in the Stump family for more than six decades, the bank has grown to six locations with $400 million in assets while maintaining its deep ties to agriculture and the communities it serves.
Amy Veter and Jessica Anderson were named co-Ambassadors of the Year after a year in which both played a central role in reimagining and strengthening the chamber’s ambassador program, building new systems, handbooks, and subcommittees that will benefit the program for years ahead.
Citizens of the Year — Tony Webb and Jamie Kuiken
The evening’s most anticipated moment came with the announcement of the two Fairfield Citizens of the Year — Tony Webb and Jamie Kuiken. Neither recipient knew they had been selected until their names were revealed, though they both suspected it relatively early as clues about their backgrounds were shared by last year’s recipients, Diane Goudy and Werner Elmker.
Kuiken has been a cornerstone of community volunteerism for decades. Perhaps her most visible contribution has been organizing and coordinating the Come to Supper — now Drive-By Supper — meals at First Lutheran Church, which she has led since 2018. What began as a modest weekly meal serving around 35 people has grown into a program averaging 110 meals distributed every Tuesday. During the pandemic, Kuiken and a fellow volunteer kept the program going entirely on their own for a full year. Beyond that effort, she has served on the Jefferson County Health Center board of trustees for 12 years, led the P.E.O. Chapter C, served as a Girl Scout leader, taught Sunday School for 20 years, and was inducted into the Fairfield Bowling Hall of Fame in 2022. She and her husband Tim have five daughters and 14 grandchildren.
Kuiken told the crowd she was humbled by the recognition and credited the people around her. “My mom always said the meaning of life was to give back and leave the world a better place,” she said. “I’m thinking this is amazing. I also have not done anything without other people by my side.”
Webb has served as chairman of the Maasdam Barns Historic Preservation Committee for approximately a decade, a role he fell into after visiting the property when Jefferson County Health Center purchased nearby land for its new hospital in 2009 and meeting Dr. William Baumann painting a barn. Under his leadership, the barns now host regular events from May through October and have expanded with an insulated pole building that allows for winter gatherings as well. Webb is a 30-year member of the Knights of Columbus, serves on the Parish Council and Finance Council at St. Mary Catholic Church, has served two terms on the Greater Jefferson County Foundation, and is a trustee for Locust Grove Township where he oversees the care of six pioneer cemeteries. He is also part of the Fairfield Volunteer Committee working to paint a mural on the railroad underpass on Second Street.
Webb said the award really belongs to the people who have worked alongside him over the years. “I love this community,” he said. “I work hard for the community, but it’s for everybody that helps me along the way that this award goes to.” He invited anyone who wants to get involved to come out to the Maasdam Barns. “I’ll furnish the gloves,” he said. “Pitch in, and we’ll work together.”
