The Chamber’s Workforce Committee is energized and ready to serve members in 2026. Following the Chamber Board’s work to identify new strategic priorities for the next three years, the committee took time to realign its focus to ensure its efforts continue to meet the evolving needs of our members. In November, the Workforce Committee met to review plans for the year ahead, reaffirming core initiatives while becoming more intentional about the programming and services offered in 2026.
Results from the 2025 membership survey highlighted a clear opportunity to better support businesses with fewer than 10 employees. In response, a work group of Chamber Board members will meet regularly and host focus groups to identify the specific challenges and needs of small businesses. These insights will be shared with the Workforce Committee to guide the development of targeted programming and practical resources. Recognizing that small businesses often operate differently than larger organizations, the committee is committed to offering flexible formats such as early morning sessions, webinars, or written toolkits to meet members where they are.
Workforce Seminars
The Building CommUNITY series title has been retired, with well-being sessions, Community Conversations, and small business workshops now consolidated under Workforce Seminars. The committee plans to offer two sessions in each category annually, with flexibility to adapt to business needs throughout the year.
Community Concierge
Now in its ninth year, the Community Concierge Program will continue to support businesses with recruitment and retention efforts, with expanded outreach to any business seeking assistance. Program updates include a shift from an in-house publication to a smaller Welcome Home guide and the addition of North Iowa LINC memberships within Community Concierge sponsorship packages.
Leadership Programs
The committee will continue to strengthen YIELD and College Connections, build a database of employers offering internships, and participate in job and career fairs to connect candidates with member job openings. Support for North Iowa LINC and the long-standing Leadership North Iowa program will also remain a priority.
The Workforce Committee’s overarching goals are to support workforce retention in the region and provide meaningful education for the business community. If you serve as your company’s main contact, we encourage you to share Chamber resources and opportunities with your entire team. You are our vital connection to more than 16,000 workers across North Iowa, and we appreciate your trust as we work to support your workforce needs. Together, we can strengthen talent pipelines, elevate workplace culture, and ensure North Iowa remains a great place to work and grow.
Written by: Allyson Krull, Greater Mason City Chamber of Commerce