Jefferson Matters: Main Street and Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted several state officials on a visit to decide on a special designation.

The entities applied for the Iowa Great Place award and this past Tuesday representatives from their Board, along with individuals from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs came to Jefferson for a site visit.

Tower View Team Chair Deb McGinn says following a discussion with the representatives, they took them on a tour of the different amenities in the city. McGinn describes the highlights of the tour.

“The tour was really where we could shine. We showed them the new Forge, of course the Mahanay Bell Tower is always the star of the show, and then the rooftop, (and) of course now we’ve got Sally’s Alley. We’ve got all of these different, wonderful art projects going on in the community. And that’s kind of really what they’re looking for is what makes Jefferson just everyday extraordinary.”

McGinn adds Jefferson was selected as a finalist and if they receive the designation, they can have access to more grant opportunities.