Rosien, Youngquist honored for community contributions

WASHINGTON - Mayor Jaron Rosien and council member Millie Youngquist were recognized by the Corridor Business Journal for being leaders in the community.

Rosien was recognized during the 40 Under 40 awards Oct. 15 at the Doubletree by Hilton in Cedar Rapids. The award recognizes 40 leaders under the age of 40 who have made difference in their organization and community.

He ran for Washington City Council in 2013 and served a four-year term before running for mayor.

Rosien attends local events and likes to hear the concerns of the community. He has been involved in many parts of the community including code enforcement and construction.

Rosien is the owner of JP's 207 and a member of the Washington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Rosien was nominated for the honor by Washington City Administrator Brent Hinson.

Youngquist was named one of Eastern Iowa's Women of Influence. She was honored at a dinner at the Hotel at Kirkwood on Nov. 3.

Her passion for community service has blossomed since retiring from her 38-year career teaching choral music, said Dawn Kluber, executive director of the executive MBA program at the University of Iowa.

A month after leaving her job at the Washington Community Schools, Youngquist stepped in as the executive director of the Community Foundation of Washington County. The number of endowment funds has double in the last eight years.

She serves as a Washington City Council member, is president of the Washington Chapter of the American Association of University Women and is president of the Washington area Performing Arts and Events Center advisory committee.

Youngquist said thank you to the people who wrote recommendation letters and nominated her. She was nominated by Washington business owner Lorraine Williams.

'We're a community with a rich past, a vibrant present and a promising future,” Youngquist said.

In past years, the awards are presented at banquests attended by 300-400 people. This year, due to COVID1-19 precautions, The 40 Under 40 honorees each could invite four or five people. The dinner for the Women of Influence awards was limited to the honorees. Both events were livestreamed and are available on the Corridor Business Journal's website.