In 1974, the Maharishi University of Management was established in Fairfield, Iowa.

In a telephone interview on Dec. 19, Fairfield's Mayor Ed Malloy talked about the university and the impact it has had on the town.

"The university has had a very successful run. They are fully accredited through the PHD level," said Malloy.

Malloy said in 1980 people from around the country became interested in transcendental meditation.

"We had an influx of several thousand come to Fairfield to be part of a group that meditated together twice a day," said Malloy.

"They created a softening influence in the areas of crime and well being."

Over the past two decades, Malloy said, those newcomers to Fairfield created over 300 new companies.

"Most companies started very small," Malloy said. "Some have grown as many as 500 employees. Businesses have been sold to Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies. Over 3,000 jobs have been created as well."

Fairfield is a rural area strong in agriculture and manufacturing.

Malloy said the new businesses have brought economic diversity, finance, and cultural and creative ideas to the town.

"We now have a television production company," said Malloy.

Chapel Studios Marathon Photography is the largest in the world doing photos of marathon runners and doing direct market photography, according to Malloy.

Overall, Malloy says jobs brought into Fairfield include technology, high tech and software development projects.

"This has been very good for our city. It has grown to be a cultural center in theater and the arts," said Malloy.

In 2003, Malloy said, the National Association of Small Communities selected Fairfield as the most entrepreneurial community in the country with a population under 10,000.

"It has been remarkable. There is no other city like us in the country," said Malloy.

Malloy said, "The practice of meditation has been very good for our city."