Local employers will have a unique opportunity to share their workforce challenges directly with state workforce leaders when Iowa Workforce Development, IowaWORKS, the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce, and Grow Fairfield partner to host an Employer Listening Session – Round Table Event on Monday, October 5.
The event will bring senior leadership from Iowa Workforce Development and IowaWORKS to Fairfield to hear directly from area employers about the workforce issues impacting their businesses.
Of particular significance, Beth Townsend, Executive Director of IowaWORKS, will be in attendance. Townsend, along with other Iowa Workforce Development senior leaders, will participate in the discussion and hear firsthand from local businesses about the challenges and
opportunities they are experiencing in today’s workforce.
The listening session is designed to be a conversation—not a presentation. Local employers will have the opportunity to provide direct input on hiring barriers, workforce challenges, skill gaps, emerging workforce needs, and changing trends.
“Our local businesses have a story to tell when it comes to workforce,” said Mendy McAdams, Executive Director of the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce. “This is a tremendous opportunity to have state workforce leadership in the room and hear directly from the people
who are hiring, training, and working to retain employees right here in our community. We want our employers to take advantage of this opportunity and make sure their voices are heard.”
The event is being held in partnership with IowaWORKS, providing an opportunity to strengthen the connection between local employers and the state’s workforce development system.
Iowa Workforce Development leadership is seeking direct input from employers to better understand the realities businesses are facing and to help inform collaborative workforce strategies and future efforts to better support employers in Fairfield and Southeast Iowa.
Event Details
Monday, October 5, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Indian Hills Community College
112 S. Court Street, Fairfield
The round table is intended for business owners, senior business leaders, managers, HR professionals, and others involved in hiring and workforce development.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.
Register online: https://tinyurl.com/2026EmployerEvent
The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Grow Fairfield encourage area employers to attend, bring their experiences and concerns to the table, and take advantage of this opportunity to have a direct conversation with state workforce leadership.
