Washington area business dinner highlights community leaders

RIVERSIDE — Back-to-back speakers, heartfelt applause, and looming anticipation about the Iowa Women’s Basketball game were abundant at the Greater Washington Business Partnership Dinner Monday night, an annual affair organized by the Washington Chamber of Commerce, Main Street District and Economic Development Group.

With many guests eager to watch the Hawkeyes’ final home game of the season, the groups changed their itinerary at the last second, shortening the length of the program and flipping the Riverside Casino’s event center projectors over to the NCAA tournament as celebrations concluded.

Despite the slightly rushed presentation, speeches were no less heartfelt than normal as presenters highlighted individuals and businesses making waves in the community.

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“We’re going to really try to make this event focused on you, all of your accomplishments,” Washington Chamber of Commerce Director Michelle Redlinger said to the crowd, comprising about 50 more people than last year’s dinner. “We’re going to make this event a celebration of all the wins that have happened in Washington County, and if we’re successful … we will hopefully get to see some big wins up north.”

The game also affected Monday night’s keynote speaker. While Hawkeye Sports Host Laura VandeBerg was originally scheduled to attend, her husband Matt spoke instead, while she covered the game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

In his remarks, Matt VandeBerg said his wife was enchanted by the community after a personal tour of Washington about a week prior.

“I think having a successful community is a lot like having a successful team,” he said. “It’s making people feel welcome, having Laura come back to me and say all the really cool things that she got to experience. It’s leaders caring about the people and the relationships they have … it begs the question, ‘Am I moving to Washington?’”

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The triad of organizations went on to highlight a number of change-makers on their own teams.

“Heart of Main Street” individual and business awards went to Leslie Allender and Boho Bailey, respectively. WEDG awarded the Harvey Holden Award to Tim Rouse, who has led two student-built housing projects in Kalona.

“Washington County, and the city of Kalona are better because of Tim’s efforts helping our area and helping our kids, helping foster their learning through trades,” Kalona City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh said.

Unlike other award winners, the Chamber’s business of the year and citizen of the year recipients knew only if they were nominated ahead of the dinner, not if they’d won.

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That left 2023 Citizen of the Year Karisa Mellinger — owner of Mama Llama's Barn on Washington’s square — shocked by the recognition. She’s spent about two years running her business, which quickly became a frequent host of fundraiser sales and community events that occasionally feature actual llamas.

“I don’t feel like I need recognition for the things we try to do for Washington,” Mellinger said. “I genuinely love doing our events, our fundraisers and sponsorship activities and family fun activities … although I am happy and honored to accept this award, I honestly am quite a bit surprised!”

The Business of the Year, meanwhile, was Farm and Home Mutual Insurance. The 150-year-old association is, according to Redlinger, the longest continuously operating business in Washington, and has supported YMCA facility improvements, police K-9 units, PAWS & More fundraising.

Members of the business’ board said they were humbled, calling the recognition a “full-team effort.”

“Thank you all for your support in our community,” said Farm and Home Board Secretary and Manager Suzanne Wood. “It’s a great honor.”

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Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com