A newly combined organization in Jefferson is continuing to make progress.

Jefferson Matters: A Main Street and Chamber Community unified as one organization earlier this year, with the former Jefferson Matters: Main Street and Jefferson Area Chamber coming together. Board President Jamie Daubendiek says some legal issues, such as the name of the group to maintain its 501(c)3 title are being finalized. However, the organization will not need to change its purpose.

“So the purpose of the organization of Jefferson Matters as a 501(c)3 was to support and preserve the historic downtown of Jefferson, Iowa while contributing to the greater community’s continued vitality.”

Daubendiek will continue to serve the unified organization as board president. He talks about why he wanted to stay on and serve as president.

“Our main street program is accredited through Main Street Iowa and the national program. So there are certain guidelines that we have to meet in order to continue to maintain and stay as a main street community. That was a little bit different of a change with some of the Chamber board members. But they understand it and realize that and can see the value in having the structure, that’s one of the best things about the Main Street program is its structure.” 

Daubendiek is looking forward to serving with the organization going into 2021.