The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce has upgraded its office phone system, replacing outdated equipment that was no longer meeting operational needs with a modern Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solution designed to better serve members, businesses, and the broader community.
The Chamber partnered with Gordon Flesch Company to implement a new communications platform powered by Elevate Unified Communications. The all-in-one system integrates phone service, messaging, video meetings, and file management into a single platform that works whether staff are in the office or working remotely. The system operates through plug-and-play IP phones or desktop and mobile applications, with advanced call features including auto-attendants, call forwarding, and call routing groups.
Chamber Director Mendy McAdams said the upgrade will make a meaningful difference in day-to-day operations. “This upgrade allows us to communicate more efficiently and respond more quickly to the needs of our members,” McAdams said. “It’s a major step forward in ensuring we remain accessible and adaptable in today’s fast-paced environment.”
The new system brings several practical improvements, including the ability to send and receive text messages directly from a business number, voicemails delivered straight to email inboxes, mobile app access allowing staff to take office calls from anywhere, and direct phone lines for each staff member as well as Main Street Fairfield. The platform also features AI-powered tools such as automatic meeting transcriptions, call summaries, and call insights, and is compatible with programs like Microsoft Teams and Salesforce. The cloud-based system offers 99.999% uptime and compliance support, providing a reliable foundation for the Chamber’s communications going forward.
While the Chamber’s main phone number remains 641-472-2111, extensions have been added. Director Mendy can be reached at extension 101 and Main Street Fairfield at extension 102. Staff members can also now be reached by text — to text Claire, use 641-451-2030, and to text Mendy, use 641-451-2031. Main Street Fairfield also has its own dedicated line at 641-451-2032, though that number is for calls only and should not be used for texting.
McAdams said the transition has gone smoothly. “We’ve had excellent onboarding and training as we learn the new system, which has made the transition smooth for our team,” she said.
The Chamber can also be reached by email at Info@FairfieldIowa.com.
