IMWCA University
Ongoing training is critical to employee safety, a cornerstone of IMWCA’s mission. Our annual IMWCA University offers training on a broad range of topics aimed directly at Iowa’s local government employees: safety coordinators, managers, municipal staff, elected officials, and agents.
Register now for IMWCA University 2025, April 23-24!
IMWCA University 2025
Plan to join us April 23-24, 2024 for IMWCA University. Additional details coming soon.
2025 Agenda
Wednesday, April 23
1 p.m. | Indianola Waste Water Treatment Facility Tour
The Indianola Water Resource Recovery facility is a brand facility that opened in late 2022. Jared Keenan, Water Resource Recovery Superintendent, will lead a tour of this state of the art treatment plant. This facility handles wastewater from 93 miles of sanitary sewer mains and can accommodate the city’s ongoing growth needs for years to come.
2:15 – 4 p.m. | Introduction to Training Basics for UTV Users – Indianola
UTV/ATVs have become the new “do all” piece of equipment for many local government departments.
Unfortunately, as the use of these vehicles grows so does the number of injuries to operators due to
lack of proper training. In this session, you can experience a few of the basic training steps that are
covered in UTV/ATV operator training. Jacob Head, a certified train-the-trainer for UTV and ATV
operators, will show participants how to properly navigate UTVs through a basic training pattern.
Because of possible dust or mud, proper attire is recommended with long-legged pants, long-
sleeved shirts and closed-toed shoes.
2:15 – 4 p.m. | Stop the Bleed Training
Join us in Johnston for the “Stop the Bleed” class, where you’ll learn essential life-saving skills to control severe bleeding in emergencies. This hands-on course covers critical techniques such as applying direct pressure, wound packing, and using tourniquets—empowering you to take quick, effective action until professional medical help arrives.
Speaker: Staci Griffin and Bill Dickey, Safety and Risk Improvement Adviser, IMWCA
5 p.m. | Social Hour – Hilton Garden Inn, hosted by IMWCA
Join IMWCA at 5 p.m. for a social hour at the Hilton Garden Inn to connect with IMWCA staff and other members of the pool. Lite apps and beverages will be provided. Pre-registration required.
Thursday, April 24
Hilton Garden Inn | 8600 Northpark Drive, Johnston, IA 50131
8:30 a.m. | Registration
9:15 a.m. | Opening General Session: Reasonable Compassion
This session explores the legal requirements, policies, and best practices for accommodating mental health disabilities in the workplace. It covers employer obligations under the ADA, defenses against failure-to-accommodate claims, and practical strategies for supporting employees while maintaining compliance. Designed to be interactive and informative, this discussion will help employers and HR professionals navigate this complex and sensitive topic.
Speaker: Brent Hinders with Hopkins & Huebner, P.C.
10:30 a.m. | Break
10:45 a.m. | Breakout Sessions
- Option 1 – The Leadership Mindset: Building Accountable and Collaborative Teams
Strong teams are essential for organizational success. In the public sector, many managers step into leadership roles without formal training, which can significantly influence workplace culture. The good news is that leadership is a skill that can be learned, beginning with a mindset shift. Discover how The Arbinger Institute’s Outward Performance training (taught through IMWCA) can help members strengthen leadership, accountability, and a positive workplace culture.
Speakers: Lisa England, Human Resource and Management Adviser, IMWCA | Representative from Pottawattamie County - Option 2 – Starting and Maintaining a Safety Program
Hear firsthand from three panelists representing organizations of different sizes as they share their journeys in launching and maintaining effective safety programs. Learn how they overcame long-standing challenges, the strategies they used to build a strong safety culture, and the key factors that have led to measurable improvements in workplace safety and reduced claims. Gain practical insights and takeaways to apply in your own organization.
Speaker: Eli Voss – Deputy Building Official/Safety Coordinator of Clinton | Morgan Lewellen – Safety Coordinator Montgomery County | Cynthia Mansager – Mayor of City of Melbourne
11:45 a.m. | Lunch
Roundtables are designed to foster open discussions, promote the exchange of ideas, and encourage attendee questions. Each session will last 30 minutes, after which participants will have the opportunity to join a different roundtable discussion for a second round.
12:45 p.m. | Round One – Round Tables
1:15 p.m. | Round Two – Round Tables
- Option 1 – Underwriting
Join us to discuss the experience mod factor, how it affects your premium, and ways to control your premium costs. - Option 2 – Claims Q&A
Have questions about workers’ compensation claims? This interactive session is your chance to ask questions, share challenges, and exchange ideas with peers. Join us to discuss best practices, common pitfalls, and strategies to improve your claims process. - Option 3 – Mastering Difficult Conversations: Leadership Strategies for Workplace Challenges
Effective leadership requires the ability to confidently navigate tough conversations. This interactive round table will equip leaders with strategies for addressing sensitive workplace issues, from employees with repeat claims to difficult discussions around workplace expectations and accountability. Through shared experiences and real-world scenarios, participants will learn to foster open communication, build trust, and enhance their leadership presence in challenging situations. - Option 4 – OSHA Q&A
Bring your questions about what it takes for local governments to comply with IOSHA regulations and what regulations may apply to your entity. We can also cover the difference between Compliance and Consultation and other IOSHA related topics you want to discuss. - Option 5 – Finding/Selecting a Designated Provider
Finding and selecting a designated medical provider for non-emergent injuries and essential services like pre-hire physicals has become increasingly challenging due to physician retirements, clinic consolidations, and closures. This roundtable provides an opportunity for participants to share their experiences, discuss challenges, and gain valuable insights into identifying and securing a reliable designated medical provider.
1:45 p.m. | Break
1:50 – 3 p.m. | Closing General Session: Optimizing Injury Reporting & Triage for Better Outcomes
Join us for this closing session as we break down the Company Nurse Process and how the Omni Contact Center makes injury reporting simple and efficient. Learn how employees can report injuries using tools like the Digital Assistant and QR Code, ensuring a smooth and timely process. We’ll also highlight the Admin Portal, available to members who want direct access to reporting and case management features. Finally, we’ll review key results and outcomes, including trends in lag days, self-care recommendations, and overall injury metrics from the past few years. Walk away with practical knowledge to improve your organization’s approach to injury management.
Speaker: Brandon Raper, Client Success Manager, Company Nurse
Training Videos
