Our purpose is to support, promote, and preserve the historic downtown of Jefferson, while contributing to the greater community’s continued vitality.

Jefferson Matters

What is Jefferson Matters?

Jefferson Matters is a nonprofit Main Street community organization dedicated to strengthening downtown Jefferson. We focus on supporting local businesses, preserving our historic buildings, enhancing public spaces, and hosting events that bring people together.

Big ideas don’t have to be complicated to make a difference. Jefferson Matters focuses on thoughtful, practical ideas that lead to visible improvements and long-term momentum. From supporting local businesses and launching new events to investing in downtown beautification and public art, our work is meant to be felt and seen. Every project, big or small, is rooted in community input and carried out with local partners and volunteers. The result is a downtown that continues to grow, adapt, and reflect the people who call Jefferson home.

Jefferson Matters supports, promotes, and preserves our historic downtown while helping strengthen the entire community. We work alongside new and existing businesses to support growth, encourage investment, and keep Jefferson’s economic base strong. We bring art, culture, and free community events to town that create energy and connection throughout the year. We lead downtown beautification efforts, from seasonal planters and storefront improvements to signage and public art. We also promote local businesses and attractions through coordinated retail events, marketing, and storytelling. Behind the scenes, we focus on fundraising, volunteer engagement, and strategic planning to keep this work moving forward.
Our approach is community-driven and relationship-based. We follow the Main Street Approach by bringing together volunteers, businesses, and partners to focus on economic vitality, placemaking, promotion, and organization. We listen first, build on Jefferson’s existing strengths, and create opportunities that support long-term growth while still meeting day-to-day community needs. Collaboration is at the center of our work, whether that’s working with local businesses, coordinating volunteers, or partnering with regional organizations. Everything we do is guided by the goal of keeping downtown Jefferson active, welcoming, and resilient.
Jefferson Matters is funded through a combination of public and private support. This includes funding from the City of Jefferson and the County, along with support from partners such as Grow Greene County Gaming, Home State Bank, and Jefferson Telecom. Our work is also made possible by the many individuals and businesses who invest in Jefferson Matters through our annual contribution drive. Together, these partnerships allow us to support downtown revitalization efforts, community events, and programs that benefit the entire community.

What is a Main Street Community?

Jefferson Matters is part of the Main Street America program, a nationwide initiative focused on strengthening downtowns through preservation, economic development, and community engagement. Being a Main Street community means we use a proven framework to support local businesses, care for historic buildings, and create a vibrant downtown that serves everyone.

Main Street Approach + Main Street Iowa Communities

Art, History, Economic Development, and National Recognition

Jefferson is more than just buildings - it’s a place shaped by creativity, local investment, and the people who show up every day. This video highlights how placemaking through public art and murals has helped bring new energy to downtown, while also sharing stories directly from small business owners who call Jefferson home.

Jefferson’s story is rooted in history, strengthened by economic development, and driven by a community that believes in progress. This video explores how intentional investment, local leadership, and long-term planning have helped Jefferson grow while preserving what makes it unique.

Learn more our Great American Main Street Award

Economic Vitality

TEAM

This team supports business retention and growth, with the goal of strengthening Jefferson’s economic base.
Chair: Peg Raney
Events

TEAM
From events like BRAG, Cruisin’ to the Square, and the Winter Festival, this group creates meaningful, memory-making events that drive foot traffic and foster pride.
Chair: Pete Bardole
Design

TEAM

The Design Team enhances the physical appearance of downtown by leading beautification efforts, like seasonal planters, storefront enhancements, signage, and more.
Chair: Mike Palmer
Promotions

TEAM

This team promotes small businesses and attractions, while coordinating retail events tied to our seasonal events throughout the year.
Chair: Bonnie Silbaugh
Tower View

TEAM
This team brings public art into unexpected places and meaningful spaces, while also organizing events like Porch Fest and Ekphrasis, which make downtown more vibrant.
Chair: Deb McGinn
Organization

TEAM
The Organization Team supports fundraising, volunteer recruitment, strategic planning, and behind-the-scenes operations that keep Jefferson Matters running strong.
Chair: Bob Cisneros

Get involved!

Meet the Board Team

Amy Milligan

PRESIDENT

Amy Milligan serves as President of Jefferson Matters and has been involved with the organization for more than 10 years. She has served on both the Organization and Economic Vitality teams and enjoys seeing ideas turn into real projects that benefit the community. Amy describes Jefferson as a “hallmark” town and appreciates its charm, character, and sense of place. Over the years, her involvement has taken many forms, sometimes hands-on and sometimes behind the scenes. She continues to support Jefferson Matters because she believes in the ongoing work of the organization and its role in keeping Jefferson moving in the right direction. Her favorite Jefferson Matters event is the Bell Tower Festival.
Kristin Russell

VICE PRESIDENT

Kristin Russell has been involved with Jefferson Matters for over six years and serves on the Economic Vitality, Organization, and Tower View Team committees. She loves supporting local businesses and believes Jefferson is a community full of opportunities to give back. Kristin describes Jefferson as “progressive” and says her sense of servant leadership drives her to contribute wherever she can. Through her work with Tower View Team, Economic Vitality, and Organization, she has found her niche and feels she can make the biggest impact. Outside of her committee work, Kristin’s favorite Jefferson event is Porch Fest, where she enjoys celebrating local music and community spirit.
Jamie Daubendiek

PAST PRESIDENT

Jamie served as president of Jefferson Matters from 2012 to 2023 and played a major role in shaping the organization into what it is today. As General Manager at Jefferson Telecom, Jamie brought steady leadership, big-picture thinking, and a constant flow of ideas that helped move Jefferson Matters forward. His direction and long-term commitment helped guide growth, strengthen partnerships, and set a strong foundation for future success. Jamie’s leadership and vision have left a lasting impact on downtown Jefferson and the community as a whole.
Zac McLean

TRESURER

Zachary joined Jefferson Matters in 2025 and now serves as the organization’s treasurer. In his full-time role as an accountant at American Athletic, Inc. (AAI), Zachary brings strong financial knowledge and a sharp eye for detail. He’s already putting his professional skills to work to help support Jefferson Matters’ operations and long-term goals, and we’re grateful to have his expertise on the team as we continue moving the organization forward.
Deb McGinn

SECRETARY and CHAIR OF TOWER VIEW TEAM

Deb McGinn serves as Secretary for Jefferson Matters and Chair of the Tower View Team. She has been involved with Jefferson Matters for more than 10 years and has served on both the Promotions and Tower View teams. Deb’s favorite part of being involved is downtown beautification and seeing long-term projects come together. She describes Jefferson as “affordable” and values the opportunities that creates for growth and creativity. Deb believes Main Street Iowa provides a clear path for success and takes pride in the volunteer-driven work that helped Jefferson become a Great American Main Street community. Her favorite Jefferson Matters event is Porch Fest.
Peg Raney

CHAIR OF ECONOMIC VITALITY

Peg Raney has been involved with Jefferson Matters for over 10 years, including serving as the organization’s former Executive Director. She currently chairs the Economic Vitality Team and has also contributed to the Tower View Team. Peg’s favorite part of being involved is supporting economic development and helping Jefferson grow and thrive. She describes Jefferson in one word as “pride” and continues her involvement to stay connected with the positive momentum of Jefferson Matters after retiring as director. Peg appreciates being able to work on projects that interest her while making a meaningful difference in the community. Outside of her committee work, her favorite Jefferson event is BRAG, where she enjoys celebrating local businesses and community achievements.
Bob Cisneros

CHAIR OF ORGANIZATION

Bob Cisneros serves as the Chair of the Organization Team for Jefferson Matters and has been involved with the organization for the past 1–2 years. He’s especially passionate about the role Jefferson Matters plays in supporting economic development and strengthening the local community. Bob describes Jefferson in one word as “charming,” and believes that small-town connections are a big part of what makes it special. He’s involved with Jefferson Matters because he wants to help promote community engagement, support local businesses, and contribute to building a thriving environment for the town. When it comes to favorite events, Porch Fest tops his list as a perfect example of community, creativity, and connection coming together.
Pete Bardole

CHAIR OF EVENTS

Pete Bardole has been involved with Jefferson Matters for many years and currently serves as the Events Chair, while also sitting as the Greene County Board of Supervisors representative. Pete plays a big role in bringing some of Jefferson’s most-loved events to life, especially Cruisin' to the Square each August. He’s deeply community-driven and passionate about creating fun, local, and free events that bring people together and give everyone a reason to enjoy downtown Jefferson.
Mike Palmer

CHAIR OF DESIGN

Mike Palmer serves as Chair of the Jefferson Matters Design Team and has been involved with the committee for many years. As the former City Administrator, Mike brings valuable experience, steady leadership, and strong connections with the City of Jefferson, which are especially helpful when coordinating downtown projects and partnerships. From supporting the downtown planter program to helping move larger design initiatives forward, Mike is always willing to step in and lend a hand. His knowledge, leadership, and commitment continue to play an important role in making Jefferson’s downtown look and function its best.
Bonnie Silbaugh

CHAIR OF PROMOTIONS

Bonnie Silbaugh has been involved with Jefferson Matters for over six years and currently serves as Chair of the Promotions Team. She has also contributed on the Economic Vitality Team. Bonnie loves supporting local businesses and believes Jefferson is a community full of energy and fun. She describes Jefferson in one word as “fun” and is driven to stay involved because she values how Jefferson Matters shares the town’s story and brings people together. Through her work on the Promotions Team, she helps keep the community informed about events, activities, and opportunities to give back. Outside of her committee work, Bonnie’s favorite Jefferson event is the Bell Tower Festival, where she enjoys celebrating the town’s culture, creativity, and connection.
Emily Dyer

Board Member

Emily Dyer has been involved with Jefferson Matters for several years and is a familiar face at many of our events. She served on the Bell Tower Festival committee from 2020 to 2025 and has been part of the BRAG committee since 2022. Beyond committee work, Emily is an avid volunteer who steps in wherever help is needed to keep events running smoothly. She’s incredibly community driven and always willing to lend a hand to support Jefferson and its events.
Luke Winkleman

BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE

Luke Winkleman is a Board Member at Large for Jefferson Matters and has been involved with the organization for the past 1–2 years. He first got connected by volunteering at a Jefferson Matters event, which led to continued involvement. Luke enjoys meeting new people and giving his time to projects that support the community. He describes Jefferson as “dynamic” and appreciates the energy and momentum happening around town. Luke believes that investing in a community’s vibrancy creates lasting impact and is proud to contribute to that vision. His favorite Jefferson event is the Bell Tower Festival.
Sara Huddleston

BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE

Sara Huddleston joined the Jefferson Matters board in 2024 as a member at large. She is the Director of the Multicultural Family Resource Center, a nonprofit dedicated to helping newcomers succeed by connecting individuals and families with essential services and working alongside local businesses to support a growing workforce. With a diverse background in social services, education, business, government, and immigration-related work, Sara brings valuable insight, leadership, and strong connections to the board. Her perspective helps strengthen Jefferson Matters’ efforts to support a welcoming and inclusive community.

"I personally support Jefferson Matters because I believe in how they share Jefferson’s story and bring our community together."

—Bonnie Silbaugh
"It’s not a secret how proud I am of what Jefferson Matters has done to make a huge difference in our community. After serving as director, I continue as a volunteer and financial supporter to continue the progress."

—Peg Raney
"Over the years, my involvement has looked different. Some years very hands-on, some years more behind the scenes. But every year, I’ve continued to donate because I believe in the constant work of this organization and the role it plays in keeping Jefferson moving in the right direction.”

—Amy Milligan
"I chose to serve on the Jefferson Matters board because I believe community events play a vital role in keeping Jefferson vibrant."

—Emily Dyer
“Leading the Tower View Team has given me the chance to collaborate with passionate people and bring art to unexpected places—from our three renovated alleyways to every corner of our vibrant downtown. If you’re looking for an organization that’s fun, creative, and making things happen, join us!"

— Deb McGinn
“Watching Jefferson evolve over the years has been incredible. We moved to town in 2012, but I’ve lived in Greene County most of my life. One of my favorite parts of living here is taking round-trip walks from home to the square; seeing the refreshed building facades, the Bell Tower (of course!), the seasonally updated pillar planters, beautiful murals, and hearing the music—it makes every walk feel like a celebration of community.”

— Kristin Russell