Positively Iowa, a statewide organization focused on issues and concerns of rural Iowans, will relocate its headquarters to Newton. Relocation to Newton was made official when the Jasper County Alliance, City of Newton, Jasper County Board of Supervisors, Iowa Rural Water Association, and Central Iowa Water Association partnered to bring Positively Iowa to the community. "We are very pleased to have Positively Iowa join our business community," commented Steve Noah, President of the Jasper County Alliance. "Their statewide efforts to address the most critical concerns of rural Iowa will certainly enhance the efforts of Newton and Jasper County as we plan for the future."

Positively Iowa is also pleased with its new arrangements. "We believe our new Newton home will serve the organization well as we work to expand the issues we address and get more and more Iowans involved," stated Frank Spillers, Executive Director for Positively Iowa. "Our concern is how Iowa, viewed nationwide as a rural state, can reposition itself for the next millennium."

Positively Iowa will be housed with the Iowa Rural Water Association (IRWA) in that organization's new complex in Metro East One just south of I-80. In addition to sharing office space, IRWA will serve as the fiscal agent and provide incubator type services for Positively Iowa. Mark Dickey, Executive Director for IRWA believes Positively Iowa is a vital resource for Iowans, providing them an opportunity to voice their concerns and solutions, and have them shared among decision-makers.

Positively Iowa is addressing issues such as telecommunications, land use, health care, migration, workforce recruitment, and housing. However, these are only a few of the issues addressed. As Positively Iowa develops a stronger presence in Iowa, it will work to become an information broker on these and many other topics. "We can be a source for statistical data on Iowa's issues and serve as an information disseminator," commented Spillers. "We are in a unique position to glean input from rural Iowans and channel it to decision makers who can use that information to change Iowa in positive ways.

Positively Iowa culminates its yearlong information gathering with a Rural Congress where the findings from across the state are discussed in round table settings. The findings at the Congress are published in an annual report and shared with the public. Next year's Congress is scheduled for September 20-21 at the Des Moines Area Community College - Newton Center.

Positively Iowa is a non-profit corporation founded in May 1997 to organize the diverse interests of Rural Iowa into a constituency capable of influencing economic and social development. Today Positively Iowa seeks statewide grass roots input on a number of critical rural issues in an effort to influence rural policy.

If you feel Positively about Iowa and believe that communities should be ultimately responsible for their futures, and not state or federal government, then get involved. Positively Iowa's new mailing address is P.O. Box 152; Newton, Iowa 50208 and can be reached by telephone at (515) 791-3403 or by e-mail at posiowa@positivelyiowa.org.