Melissa is an exceptional partner in regional economic development. Her ability to coordinate seamlessly with Alliant Energy ensures that Winnebago and Worth counties are always positioned for growth. She is proactive, deeply knowledgeable, and highly collaborative- bringing her into a project early is a guarantee that things will move forward efficiently and successfully.
— Chad Hansen , Alliant Energy
The City of Manly shows their support for Iowa Veterans by becoming an HBI Community
2 Mar 2026
News, Blog
The city of Manly has joined more than 125 other Iowa entities who have chosen to show their support for Iowa Veterans by becoming an HBI community. Home Base Iowa is a one-of-kind program designed to connect veterans and service members with more than 2,300 businesses statewide who have pledged to hire veterans.
Home Base Iowa designates qualified communities as centers of opportunity for military veterans based on four standards:
- Within a designated community, at least 10% of eligible, hiring businesses must become a HBI business and pledge to hire veterans
- Community specific incentive package
- Community signs of HBI designation\
- Resolution from the appropriate governing body
Melissa Michaelis, Executive Director of Winn-Worth Betco made it her mission to complete what her predecessor had started over a decade ago. In November of 2022, Michaelis worked with both Winnebago and Worth County in their own county HBI designation. At the same time, Michaelis partnered with the cities of Northwood and Forest City to kick off the start of obtaining the designation for each of the 14 communities Michaelis serves within both Winnebago and Worth counties. Each county incentive package includes $1000 in relocation assistance to veterans moving to either county. Winn-Worth Betco has budgeted to assist with up to six veterans per year to choose either county as their home.
The City of Manly has officially been awarded the designation of a Home Base Iowa Community on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 offering garbage pick up rate and the base rate for water service waived for one year.
“It will be a great accomplishment to see all 14 of the communities I serve obtain this designation,” said Michaelis.
By Melissa Michaelis, Executive Director Winn-Worth Betco
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