Cheers to Your Success!

Excited to announce the ultimate reveal! The prestigious 2023 (awarded on March 25, 2024) Washington Chamber of Commerce Citizen and Business of the Year awards are in, and the winners will be unveiled live on March 25th at the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort during our Annual Dinner.

The Greater Washington Business Partnership Annual Dinner.  is an evening of networking, special recognition, awards, and a great dinner!  This event is brought to you by the area economic development partners, which includes the Washington Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Washington and Washington Economic Development Group (WEDG).

The Business of the Year Award recognizes a business in or around the City of  Washington for noteworthy accomplishments and contributions to our community.

1) Displays qualities of leadership, cooperation, and teamwork.

2) Is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and supports the growth, spirit, and overall improvement of Washington.

3) Has visibly contributed and promoted to major economic growth and stability in the area the Chamber serves within the past year.

 

The Citizen of the Year Award recognizes an individual that has gone the extra mile to get involved in programs & activities that benefit Washington. 

1) Displays leadership, initiative, creativity, and dedication toward their cause and the overall betterment of our community.

2) Is an inspiration and cheerleader for others in their efforts to better the quality of life in Washington.

3) Created a desired outcome that has had or will have a positive impact on Washington and its future.

2023-2024 Chamber Award Winners:

Business of the Year:
Farm & Home Mutual

Washington Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year: Farm & Home Mutual Insurance

There have been many changes in the insurance industry due to the increasing number and severity of storms and advances in technology. Farm & Home Mutual has protected the interests of its policyholders through improved underwriting; by embracing the latest technologies, including being among the first Mutuals to go paperless, making electronic scans and backups of all policies and records, and allowing virtual inspections and online payments for the convenience of the policyholders; by being the first Mutual in Iowa to use drones for home property inspections; and by quickly adapting to the ever-changing market conditions in order to not only maintain but increase the financial assets needed to provide insurance coverage to its policyholders when they suffer a loss. Farm & Home Mutual, while not the largest mutual in Iowa, has been consistently recognized and praised by Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance for its business practices, embrace of technology, and willingness to adapt to the changing insurance industry. Read On

Citizen of the Year:
Karisa Mellinger, Mama Llama’s Barn

Washington Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year: Karisa Mellinger

Nominations for Karissa were submitted to the Chamber of Commerce in both categories of Business and Citizen of the Year, as her unique niche has been finding the perfect blend of both her personal and professional aspirations. As a mother of six young children, she exemplifies the epitome of dedication and balance, seamlessly blending her roles as a small business owner of Mama Llamas Barn in downtown Washington and also (and many may be surprised to hear) as a full-time accountant at the University of Iowa.

What sets Karissa apart is not just her remarkable ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and projects, but also her genuine passion for creating spaces that foster warmth and a sense of belonging. Mama Llama’s Barn stands as a testament to her vision of blending the needs of her family with her entrepreneurial spirit. Read On

Chamber Past Award Winners

Business of the Year: The Business of the Year Award recognizes a business in or around the City of Washington for noteworthy accomplishments and contribution to our community. Displays qualities of leadership, cooperation, and teamwork. Is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and supports the growth, spirit, and overall improvement of Washington. Has visibly contributed and promoted to major economic growth and stability in the area the Chamber serves within the past year.

Citizen of the Year: The Citizen of the Year Award recognizes an individual that has gone the extra mile to get involved in programs & activities that benefit Washington. Displays leadership, initiative, creativity, and dedication toward their cause and the overall betterment of our community. Is an inspiration and cheerleader for others in their efforts to better the quality of life in Washington. Created a desired outcome which has had or will have a positive impact on Washington and its future.

  • 2023-Karisa Mellinger
  • 2022-Isabella Santoro
  • 2021-Michael Moore
  • 2020-Illa Earnest
  • 2019-Nancy Adrian
  • 2018-Lonny Milligan
  • 2017-Debbie Stanton
  • 2016-Erin Smith
  • 2015-Jan Gallagher & Bob Youngquist
  • 2015-Jolisa Weidner
  • 2014-no award given
  • 2013-Max Cousins
  • 2012-Jim Gorham
  • 2011-Bonnie Boshart
  • 2010-Ed Raber
  • 2009-John & Mary Jo Hays
  • 2008-Margaret Wolf
  • 2007-Linda McNeil
  • 2006-Kelly Swift
  • 2005-Mike Zahs
  • 2004-Sherry Renoux
  • 2003-Chuck Gibson
  • 2002-Yale Jarvis
  • 2001-Phil Kneen
  • 2000-John Prochaska
  • 1999-Donna Manfull

Volunteer of the Year: The Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual that goes above and beyond in their volunteerism, specifically within the Chamber’s programs and events.

  • 2019-no award given
  • 2018-no award given
  • 2017-Pam Green
  • 2016-Genie Davis