Written by: Kent Brcka, Henkel Construction Co.
As business leaders in North Iowa, we have a responsibility that extends beyond our day-to-day operations. Advocating for our community at the federal, state, and local levels is one of the most impactful things we can do to ensure Mason City and the surrounding region continue to grow and thrive.
Last year, I joined fellow community leaders for the 2025 North Iowa Fly-In to Washington, D.C. This trip reinforced something important to share with other Chamber members: when we show up and make our voices heard, our legislators listen. What impressed me most was the genuine interest our elected officials showed in using federal resources to strengthen communities like ours. The schedule was packed with meaningful conversations. We met with Tom Wickham from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for updates on the political landscape, including child care policy and programs. We spoke with Essential Air Service representatives at the Department of Transportation about funding for Mason City Municipal Airport and with DOT officials regarding Highway 122 and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure funding. Our meeting with Joe Gilson from the USDA covered renewable fuels, sustainable aviation fuels, and the farm bill, and we stressed the critical importance of continuing to fund rural development grants and loans for both public and private projects in our region. These USDA programs are vital for expansion and upgrades to rural hospitals and businesses across North Iowa. We also sat down with Representative Ashley Hinson, Senator Joni Ernst, and Senator Chuck Grassley to discuss trade policies, small business issues, housing, immigration, and child care among other important topics.
The engagement didn’t stop in Washington. On August 26, Henkel Construction hosted Representative Hinson at our office for a roundtable discussion on the One Big Beautiful Bill and its tax implications for businesses.
Closer to home, I want to bring attention to an issue that directly impacts every Chamber member’s bottom line: electric utility rates. Many may not realize that Mason City and the surrounding area pay some of the highest electrical utility rates in the state of Iowa. I have been actively involved in a business leader roundtable group that keeps a keen eye on the legislative process and works to protect the ratepayers of our region. Utility regulatory reform is essential, and it will take sustained advocacy to bring meaningful change.
Whether the conversation is happening in Mason City, Des Moines, or D.C., staying engaged matters. I encourage every business owner and community member to connect with your representatives. Our community’s ability to secure the resources we need and address challenges like utility costs depends on all of us staying at the table.