The City of Fertile is proud to announce that it has officially joined more than 125 Iowa communities and counties in becoming a designated Home Base Iowa (HBI) Community—a meaningful commitment to honoring and supporting our nation’s veterans and active service members.
Home Base Iowa is a statewide initiative that connects veterans and transitioning service members with more than 2,300 Iowa businesses that have pledged to hire and support those who have served our country. The program also recognizes communities that actively work to create opportunities, incentives,
and welcoming environments for veterans and their families.
To earn the prestigious HBI designation, communities must meet four key standards:
- At least 10% of eligible hiring businesses within the community must become HBI businesses and pledge to hire veterans
- The creation of a community-specific incentive package
- Installation of official HBI community signage
- Passage of an HBI-supportive resolution by the appropriate governing body
This milestone holds special significance for Melissa Michaelis, Executive Director of Winn-Worth Betco, who has worked tirelessly to complete the initiative her predecessor set in motion more than a decade ago. In November 2022, Michaelis successfully partnered with both Winnebago and Worth Counties to secure their countywide HBI designations, each offering a $1,000 relocation incentive to veterans who choose the area as their new home. Winn-Worth Betco has committed to supporting up to six veterans per year as part of this longstanding effort.
At the same time, Michaelis began collaborating with the cities of Northwood and Forest City, launching a broader regional effort to guide all 14 communities she serves through the HBI designation process. Fertile now becomes the final community to complete this journey—marking a full-circle moment and a
remarkable regional achievement.
On Tuesday, April 21st, 2026, the City of Fertile was officially awarded its Home Base Iowa Community designation. As part of its local incentive package, Fertile will offer $500 in relocation assistance.
Pictured above from left to right:
- Melissa Michaelis, Executive Director, Winn-Worth Betco
- Jamie Norton, Director of Veteran Workforce Services, IowaWORKS
- Tom Reid, Director of Veterans Affairs, Worth County
- Adam Blanchard, Veteran Career Planner, Iowa Workforce Development
- Andy Carlson, City Council
- Wendy Lunning, City Clerk
“It’s truly awesome to see this journey come full circle. After years of work, getting all 14 communities through the Home Base Iowa designation process feels incredibly rewarding,” said Michaelis. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited for what this means for the veterans who will call our
communities home.”
By Melissa Michaelis, Executive Director, Winn-Worth Betco
