What began more than a decade ago as a vision to better serve veterans across Winnebago and Worth counties came full circle on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, when Melissa Michaelis, Executive Director of Winn-Worth Betco, was surprised with the very first Home Base Iowa Community Champion Award.
The award was presented by Jamie Norton, Director of Veteran Workforce Services with IowaWORKS, and Adam Blanchard, Veteran Career Planner with Iowa Workforce Development, following the City of Fertile’s official designation as a Home Base Iowa Community, the final community among the 14 Michaelis serves to achieve the milestone.
Gathered alongside local and state partners, Norton and Blanchard recognized Michaelis not only for completing Fertile’s designation, but for her unwavering leadership and advocacy that helped guide every community in the region through the Home Base Iowa process.
“Melissa didn’t just help one city or one county become Home Base Iowa certified, she helped build an entire regional culture of support for veterans,” said Norton. “Her leadership has ensured that veterans and their families know they are welcomed, valued, and supported no matter which community they choose to call home.”
Home Base Iowa connects veterans and transitioning service members with over 2,600 Iowa businesses pledged to hire and support those who have served. It also recognizes communities that meet key standards, including veteran-focused business engagement, incentive creation, official signage, and passage of supportive resolutions. Under Michaelis’ guidance, every community across Winnebago and Worth counties met these requirements, an achievement few regions in the state can claim.
Blanchard reflected on the personal impact of Michaelis’ work, particularly from a veteran-centered perspective.
“As a Veteran Career Planner, I see firsthand how much local support matters to veterans as they transition into civilian life,” Blanchard said. “Melissa’s initiative and persistence have strengthened the entire support system around them. Because of her efforts, veterans aren’t just finding jobs here, they’re finding communities that genuinely want them.”
Michaelis’ leadership was especially evident in November 2022, when she successfully partnered with both Winnebago and Worth Counties to secure countywide Home Base Iowa designations. Each county established a $1,000 relocation incentive for veterans moving to the area, with Winn-Worth Betco committing to support up to six veterans per year—an investment that continues to benefit service members and their families.
At the same time, Michaelis expanded her efforts city by city, working closely with local leaders in Northwood, Forest City, and ultimately all 14 communities under Winn-Worth Betco’s umbrella. Fertile’s designation marked the final step in a journey rooted in collaboration, patience, and long-term commitment.
The Community Champion Award was presented on behalf of Robert J. Haege III, Home Base Iowa Program Manager, who praised Michaelis’ lasting impact on the program.
“Melissa Michaelis exemplifies what it means to be a Home Base Iowa Champion,” said Haege. “Her dedication, advocacy, and passion have inspired multiple communities to step forward and formally support veterans and their families. Because of her work, Home Base Iowa is not just a designation in Winnebago and Worth counties, it’s a promise.”
Visibly moved by the recognition, Michaelis shared her gratitude and reflected on the collective effort behind the achievement.
“This work has always been about collaboration,” Michaelis said. “From local councils and clerks to state partners and employers, everyone played a role. Seeing all 14 communities reach this point together is incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited about what it means for the veterans who will choose to build their lives here.”
With the presentation of the first Home Base Iowa Community Champion Award, Michaelis’ legacy is now formally recognized, not just for completing a process, but for strengthening communities, honoring service, and creating a true home base for those who have given so much.
