Washington man wins state volunteer award

DES MOINES — Brent Kromrie of Washington received the Governor’s Volunteer Award earlier this month. The current board president of Main Street Washington is also involved with the Chamber, Leadership Washington and Kiwanis Club.

“Brent, like many other board presidents across the state, demonstrated that leadership on a long-term basis,” said Main Street Iowa State Coordinator Michael Wagler, who nominated Kromrie for the award. “To be a board president, that’s a huge commitment unto itself. But being a local business owner who has a stake in driving the revitalization of downtown, making that extra commitment, really goes above and beyond … taking that extra step to be part of a local nonprofit, especially Main Street, really helps to make a difference.”

Main Street Washington Executive Director Sarah Grunewaldt said Kromrie had made immense contributions to the organization.

“I am very thankful that he stepped up as a volunteer a few years back,” she said. “He’s been board president for the last few years and really led us through a very challenging time with COVID and other things, and he’s been very steadfast and a wonderful leader for Main Street. I’m very proud of him and I’m very thankful that (the state) recognized that.”

Kromrie, for his part, said both the award and his work were gratifying.

“It feels great to be recognized, I know volunteering doesn’t get a lot of recognition,” he said. “But I do enjoy it a lot, I do it because I really love it … and my work really encourages me to volunteer whenever I can. I just think it’s a lot of fun, a lot of it starts with people asking me to do something, and if you can do it, then why not?”

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