Indy Unplugged

• Leading Forward: A Conversation with Jacob Meshke, Indianola's New City Manager

  Season 1, Episode 16: In this special episode of Indy Unplugged, we welcome new city manager Jacob Meshke, who joined the City of Indianola on Wednesday, May 28. In this episode, Jacob shares his professional journey from his early beginnings in city government. He also discusses what drew him to Indianola, what excites him about being part of the team and his approach for guiding Indianola into its next chapter. Find more information online: https://www.indianolaiowa.gov/1195/Indy-Unplugged-Podcast

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• Experiences That Elevate: How The Indianola Chamber Strengthens Business & Community

  Season 1, Episode 15: Amanda Zwanziger and Haley Swanson with the Indianola Chamber of Commerce join Indy Unplugged for a dynamic conversation about how strategic community experiences fuel local growth and vibrancy.   With the Dad’s Rock Festival debuting on Saturday, June 14, a new twist to the Chamber’s Summer Nights Live concert series, Amanda and Haley share how this exciting, action-packed event will support local businesses and showcase Indianola as a go-to destination. The episode also highlights the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to promote Indianola through the Experience Indianola tourism initiative, regional co-op marketing campaigns and digital passports, among other tactics, designed to attract visitors, elevate local experiences and create increased visibility throughout the city, across Warren County and beyond.   Additionally, listeners will gain insight insight into how the Chamber advocates for local businesses, cultivates a strong sense of place and builds lasting connections between commerce, tourism and community pride.   Fast-forward to a specific topic covered: 00:00: Intro 00:42: Welcome 01:40: On Dad’s Rock Festival 11:45: On Experience Indianola & Tourism Initiatives 17:00: On Impact of Tourism for Communities 20:09: On New Digital Passport Program 23:58: On Joys of the Job 29:50: On Importance of Data-Driven Decision Making 31:53: On Power of Community Partner Collaboration 33:03: On Flurry of Upcoming Indianola Summer Events 34:07: Final Thoughts & Closing To learn more about Dad’s Rock Festival, please visit: https://experienceindianola.com/dads-rock/.   To volunteer for the event, please email [email protected].   To learn more about Experience Indianola, please visit: https://experienceindianola.com/   To learn more about Iowa Getaway, please visit: https://iowagetaway.com/   To learn more about the Indianola Chamber of Commerce, please visit: https://www.indianolachamber.com/

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• Indianola Council Member Mellisa Sones Reflects on Warren County Leadership Institute

  Season 1, Episode 14: Indianola City Council Member Mellisa Sones joins "Indy Unplugged" for an insightful discussion on leadership, community engagement and her experience with the Warren County Leadership Institute. In this episode, Council Member Sones reflects on how WCLI influenced her approach to public service and has helped shape her role on the Council. She highlights key takeaways from the program, including building connections through networking and fostering civic involvement throughout Warren County. The conversation also touches on upcoming community initiatives and ways residents can get involved in shaping local policy. Plus, Council Member Sones shares behind-the-scenes stories from her time in the Leadership Institute and how those lessons continue to guide her work today. Fast-forward to a specific topic covered: 00:00: Intro 00:42: Welcome 01:24: What is Warren County Leadership Institute?  02:28: This Year's WCLI Class Project 03:08: Why Enroll to WCLI? 04:15: Key Advantages & Challenges from WCLI Experience 07:58: How WCLI Elevates Leadership Skills 10:30: Eye-Opening Bus Tour Throughout Warren County 13:45: Elevator Pitch For WCLI Involvement 14:28: Applying Knowledge From WCLI Today 17:48: Serving on City Boards & Commissions 18:57: Final Thoughts & Closing To learn more about the Warren County Leadership institute, please visit: https://www.wcedc.com/leadership To learn more about the City of Indianola's boards and commissions, please visit: https://www.indianolaiowa.gov/164/Boards-Commissions  

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• The Latest On City Manager Search, Budget Progress & Other Key Topics

  Season 1, Episode 13: Indianola Mayor Steve Richardson joins "Indy Unplugged" for an in-depth conversation covering key topics as of late that are shaping the city's future. In this episode, Mayor Richardson shares updates on the three City Manager finalists, where citizens are invited to a community meet-and-greet event on Tuesday, April 1, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Simpson College’s Hubbell Hall and have the opportunity to interact with the candidates and learn about the next steps in the selection process. The conversation also dives into the city's budget progress and timeline, including recapping the March 24 public hearing and the upcoming April 21 meeting, as well as as the latest regarding the at-large council member vacancy, with interviews scheduled for the Indianola City Council’s regular meeting on Monday, April 7. Additionally, Mayor Richardson shares some fascinating fun facts about various city departments learned during departmental visits, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of local government. Fast-forward to a specific topic covered: 00:00: Intro 00:42: Welcome 01:48: Mayor’s Memo 03:28: City Manager Finalists & Next Steps 13:13: City Budget Progress 23:19: At-Large Council Vacancy & Upcoming Process 27:21: Did You Know? Departmental Fun Facts 32:45: Final Thoughts & Reminders 35:18: Closing  

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• Community Matters: Mayor Steve Richardson Discusses Indianola’s Opportunities & Challenges

  Season 1, Episode 11: Newly appointed Indianola Mayor Steve Richardson joins “Indy Unplugged” for an informative conversation as he shares his journey to civic leadership, his background and his vision for the city’s future. In this episode, Mayor Richardson dives into the opportunities and challenges facing Indianola, all the while the Indianola City Council goes through its budget process amid House File 718. With his unique perspective and commitment to public service, Mayor Richardson offers valuable insights into the complexities of civic leadership and the importance of community engagement. Fast-forward to a specific topic covered: 00:00: Intro 00:42: Welcome 1:50: On Becoming Mayor of Indianola 2:43: Leadership Style in Elected Role 7:40: Evolution of Civic Engagement by Citizens 11:15: What is House File 718? 16:48: Implications of House File 718 20:38: How to Engage in Discussions & Share Perspectives 25:22: Local and State Leadership & Collaboration 32:30: Vision 2030 Update 34:32: Working Together & Future Horizon 37:04: Final Thoughts & Closing

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