Washington Chamber of Commerce
Main Street Washington
WEDG
City of Washington
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2024
Washington, Iowa – On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Leadership Washington participants engaged in a full day of learning and networking focused on economic development and finance. The day’s events were hosted by MaryAnn White and Jessica Yoder, offering attendees an in-depth look at the economic drivers of Washington County.
The day began with an exciting start at the Washington Municipal Airport, where participants took to the skies for plane rides hosted by Kurt Kucera. This unique opportunity allowed attendees to gain a bird’s-eye view of the local landscape while learning about the impact of the airport on local business and tourism.
Following a brief break, the group gathered at Washington State Bank for a Financial Services Panel. Local experts, including representatives from Hills Bank, Latta Harris, Southeast Iowa Insurance, Washington State Bank, and Edward Jones, shared insights on the current financial climate, investment strategies, and how these services support community growth.
Next, Jaron Rosien and Erik Buchholz led participants on a Chamber Economic Development Tour of Washington, showcasing the area’s business initiatives and growth opportunities. Afterward, the group enjoyed lunch at Dutch Market, where Erik Buchholz, President of the Washington Chamber of Commerce, was available for a Q&A session.
In the afternoon, presentations continued with Mary Audia, Executive Director of the Washington Economic Development Group (WEDG), and Samantha Meyer, Executive Director of Main Street Washington, discussing their respective efforts to enhance economic opportunities and revitalize the downtown area. This was followed by a Walking Tour of Downtown Washington, led by Jenny Morgan of Elliott Realty and Samantha Meyer, where participants explored the local business community firsthand.
The day concluded with a presentation from Patty Koller, Executive Director of the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, providing insights into how the foundation’s grants support local projects and community betterment efforts.
Leadership Washington’s Economic Development & Finance Day offered participants an invaluable understanding of how Washington County’s financial and economic infrastructure supports the community’s continued growth and success.
For more information, contact:
MaryAnn White at 319-863-3137 or Jessica Yoder at 319-430-3311.
