Building CommUNITY

According to the 2020 US Census, the diversity of Mason City’s population stands at 93.17% white compared to 94.3% in the last (2010) census. Given the greatest community needs are Population Growth and Workforce Attraction, it is important to demonstrate North Iowa is a welcoming community with inclusive employers. The Building CommUNITY initiative falls under the Chamber’s Worksite Wellness Committee program of work, but its launch is staff and board-driven to assist in getting this important program off the ground. This Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) program is positioned as a Workforce Attraction and Retention Strategy—another effort in the Chamber’s multi-prong approach (Community Concierge, placemaking, etc.) to respond to this critical need. All Chamber member businesses, regardless of size, are invited to participate in the Building CommUNITY effort as a Certified Inclusive Employer.

Participating businesses will adopt a DEI policy, take the North Iowa DEI pledge, and participate in trainings. For more information, click here. To call attention to the program and rally support for the Building CommUNITY initiative, the Chamber hired local artist Zoie Papouchis to design a “paint-by-number” mural in a highly-visible location.  Community members from businesses, youth groups, service clubs, senior citizens, and disabled residents from group homes are helping paint a new mural located on the north side of Community Health Center in downtown Mason City. The goal is to provide a visible testament that Mason City is welcoming to everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

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