Iowa Secretary of State

Steve Strauss, owner of Twisted River Farm in Mitchell, Iowa, operates the farm alongside his wife, Marcy. They grow approximately 40 different vegetables and cut flowers, which they sell at their on-farm store, as well as in local grocery stores, restaurants, and farmers markets throughout North Iowa, including Mason City and Clear Lake. What began in 2014 as a personal endeavor to grow their own food and explore food production evolved into a full-time business by 2018. The name "Twisted River" is inspired by their initial farm location in Norris Springs, Iowa, situated on a winding stretch of the Shell Rock River. Today, they are known for their salad greens, tomatoes, and microgreens among their many crops. Their mission remains to provide clean, nutritious food to their community, always with a commitment to quality and a smile. #SmallBizSalute

We spent yesterday morning with Polk County Auditor Jamie Fitzgerald as they conducted their pre-election equipment testing. Every tabulator is tested in every county before each election. These testing sessions are open to the public. Contact your county auditor for more information on how you can attend.

Ashley Recknor, along with her husband Jess and her parents Pete and Cindy Hunter, runs Purple Ribbon Beef from Britt, IA. This direct-to-consumer beef business specializes in premium dry-aged beef, with all cattle raised on their farm and processed locally at Nimrods in Iowa Falls. The name "Purple Ribbon Beef" reflects the family's 4-H and FFA success, symbolizing their commitment to quality and the lessons learned in the show ring. Since its start in 2016, Purple Ribbon Beef has grown significantly, known for exceptional ground beef, steaks, and popular Holiday Gift Boxes, which they ship nationwide. Their mission is to deliver top-notch beef and outstanding customer service while focusing on sustainability and preserving their farm for future generations. Recently, they opened a Farm Store to enhance the local shopping experience, emphasizing their dedication to customer satisfaction. #SmallBizSalute

Sarah Thompson, the owner of Beautiful Life Atelier in Atkins, Iowa, embarked on a self-discovery journey in 2018 that transformed her passion for candle-making into a thriving business. What began as a hobby during her time as a stay-at-home mom to three sons evolved into a mission to connect people through the power of fragrance. Beautiful Life Atelier offers a wide range of products, including candles, wax melts, room sprays, reed diffusers, car fresheners, hand soaps, luxury bath teas, and perfumes. For Sarah, owning a business is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to her empowerment as a mother and a woman. The challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship have been deeply rewarding, giving her the opportunity to shape every aspect of her business. The name "Beautiful Life Atelier" reflects Sarah's mission perfectly. "Atelier," a French term for workshop or studio, and "Beautiful Life" capture her goal of enriching lives through a fragrant journey. As her business evolves, Sarah has delved into the art of perfumery, which is quickly becoming the heart of Beautiful Life Atelier. She eagerly anticipates where this creative path will lead. #SmallBizSalute

Your vote is your voice, and it stays confidential. Every ballot in the general election is secret, meaning no one can find out how you voted. Programs like Safe at Home ensure that your personal information is protected, so you can vote with peace of mind knowing your choices remain private. Visit safeathome.iowa.org to learn more.

Amanda Wilson and her mother Cindi Wilson are the proud owners of Linden Street Coffeehouse, a beloved fixture in Lamoni, Iowa for over 20 years. Named after its location on Linden Street, the coffeehouse serves a variety of coffee drinks and delicious breakfast and lunch options, including their famous White Zombie latte and Panini Melt. The Wilson family's journey with Linden Street began in 2012, when Amanda and Cindi began working at the coffeehouse. In early 2023, they purchased the coffeehouse, fulfilling Cindi's dream of creating a welcoming space that she can pass onto future generations. With their passion for hospitality and plans to expand catering services, Linden Street Coffeehouse continues to be a cherished gathering place for the Lamoni community. #SmallBizSalute

Interested in Iowa's election process? Become a poll worker! It's a unique opportunity to witness democracy in action, serve your community, and earn money. Many find it rewarding. For details and to sign up, visit pollworker.iowa.gov.

Meet Pathfinders RC&D, a dedicated nonprofit organization located in Fairfield, Iowa with a rich history of community support and environmental stewardship. Originally incorporated in 1978 and designated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Pathfinders RC&D has been a cornerstone in local development and natural resource conservation. Although USDA funding for RC&D programs ended in 2011, Pathfinders RC&D has thrived by generating 98% of its funding through grants and contracts. Pathfinders RC&D is known for its diverse range of projects across Southeast Iowa. The organization is particularly noted for its success in Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation and the Historic Hills Scenic Byway program, which boosts local tourism. Their efforts also extend to improving soil and water quality in alignment with the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Beyond these initiatives, Pathfinders RC&D offers fiscal management and grant writing services, and even provides a Small Business Loan to support local entrepreneurs. Guided by their mission—"Creating vibrant communities by strengthening local economies and encouraging natural resource conservation"—Pathfinders RC&D aims to further enrich and expand its support for the communities it serves. Looking ahead to the next 5-10 years, the organization is committed to continuing its growth and impact, adapting to the evolving needs of their communities. #SmallBizSalute

That's a wrap on the 2024 NACAP Conference in Des Moines! A heartfelt thank you to all participants, panelists, and sponsors who made this event exceptional. I want to give a special appreciation to my dedicated staff for their tireless efforts in organizing. I am proud of what we've accomplished together - stay tuned for more exciting updates!

This summer I joined the Election Infrastructure Subsector Government Coordinating Council (EIS-GCC) at NASS. Working alongside fellow election officials from across the country to strengthen our election security. It's about protecting every vote and maintaining confidence in our democratic process. Together, we're building a more resilient election infrastructure for all Americans.