Washington Chamber’s Business & Citizen of Year Announced at the Annual Dinner

Washington Chamber of Commerce

205 West Main Street

(319) 653-3272

Chamber.washingtoniowa.org

[email protected]

 

WASHINGTON, IOWA — Tuesday, March 26, 2024

The Greater Washington Business Partnership Annual Dinner was held March 25, at the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort.  The partnership includes the Washington Economic Development Group (WEDG), Main Street Washington and the Washington Chamber of Commerce.  Just over 300 attendees gathered to enjoy a social hour, dinner and a program highlighting the organizational accomplishments from this past year.  One of the most anticipated parts of the evening are the award announcements from each of the economic development groups.

 

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.

 

Farm & Home Mutual has contributed towards many worthy communities causes over the years, including supporting the new Y facilities; sponsoring the Washington County Fair; donating towards the purchase and training of a K-9 unit for the Washington Police Department; donating to the Ainsworth fire department and the Firemen’s Golf event; and donating to Hospice, Paws & More, and others. Farm & Home Mutual is a long-standing supporter of the Washington Chamber of Commerce and our community events.

 

2024 marks the 150th year Farm & Home Mutual has been in existence, taking care of the insurance needs of the policy holders here in Washington and in the surrounding farms and communities – the longest continuously operating business in Washington! That in and of itself deserves recognition. The Washington Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Farm & Home Mutual Insurance as the Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.

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.

 

Karissa’s influence extends far beyond the walls of her business. With the same energy level as her six young children (and probably many Mama Llama Lotus Drinks), she engages with the community by organizing family events and fundraising initiatives for various causes like The Mama Llamas Barn Easter Festival and the Halloween event, Llamaween.

 

Karissa’s journey exemplifies compassion, kindness, and a belief in positive change. In just two years, she has made a significant impact on countless families in the town of Washington.

 

The Washington Chamber of Commerce proudly recognizes Karissa Mellinger as the 2023 Citizen of the Year, acknowledging her exceptional talent, boundless generosity, and unwavering commitment to making our community a better place. We are all excited to see the many ideas and projects that are yet to come from her. Congratulations, Karisa!

 

For questions, please contact Mikayla Slechta, Washington Chamber of Commerce Outreach Coordinator at 319-653-3272. ###