Washington reaches first goal in #IowansUnite contest

WASHINGTON — The Washington Chamber of Commerce has exceeded the first part of a statewide contest from the Iowa Economic Development Authority in record time. The #IowansUnite Community Contest asked communities to submit a 60 second video featuring their locale.

The required elements that must be shown in the video included:

The Washington Chamber worked with local entrepreneurs Isabella Santoro and her uncle, Randy Williams, to put together a video that showcases some of the community’s best assets.

As part of the competition, organizers had 7 days to get 500 votes so that Washington could advance to the second round. That feat was accomplished in approximately 24 hours.

“The fact that we were able to accomplish the first requirement in record time is such a great example of the partners we have in the community,” Chamber Director Michelle Redlinger said. “I’m excited to learn what step two will include. We’ve been told we will receive directions on July 6 and will have 6 days to showcase our community spirit, but we aren’t sure what that will look like for this contest.”

The winner of the grand prize will be the entrant whose assignment and video received the highest combined score from an independent panel of judges. The grand prize is a custom mural installed in the entrant’s local shopping district or downtown area, designed and installed by Iowa-based artist Ben Schuh. The mural will be no larger than 1,500 square feet.

Once the Chamber is aware of the next phase, they will begin working toward achieving that goal in similar fashion.