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Washington’s best take center stage at celebration dinner
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
RIVERSIDE— Plenty of food, awards, and applause filled the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort event center as the Greater Washington Business Partnership Dinner made its annual appearance last Monday.
This event served as a night to showcase, appreciate, and celebrate local business and community members. There were plenty of awards to be given out and the first one was the Heart of Main Street Individual Award.
As the title suggests, this award is meant for an individual but it was presented to a duo this time around, Don Kline and Marianne Hanshaw, who have both led by example at Main Street Washington for nearly two decades.
“This award is usually given to one person, but this year, we couldn't imagine honoring one without the other,” Samantha Meyer, Executive Director of Main Street Washington, said about Kline and Hanshaw. “They serve on our promotions committee, but their influence is felt in every project we touch. If Main Street is the heart of Washington, Don and Marianne are truly the heart of Main Street.”
The Heart of Main Street Business Award went to Stairway to the Stars and its owner Melissa Westphal. For over 30 years Westphal has grown her dance school from one studio with just herself to five studios, 17 teachers, and three assistants.
“Melissa's impact is visible every single day,” Main Street Washington board president Heather Marek said. “Her studio is a major economic engine, bringing hundreds of families from across the region into our district every evening to shop, dine and explore.”
While it may have been more isolated in the beginning, Westphal has a trusted team around her now to continue to thrive and her impact on the community has not gone unnoticed.
“I love being a part of downtown Washington and the feeling that my actions are having an impact on not just my students but the community as a whole,” Westphal said. “And I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I look forward to the next 33 years.”
Recognized for its noteworthy accomplishments and contribution to the community, the 2025 Business of the Year went to Ace N More, locally owned and operated by Craig and Holly Jones. A hardware store which opened its doors in 2009, Ace N More has become a reliable mainstay in the community
“They built a place centered on service. 17 years later, Ace N More is known for something you cannot barcode, genuine one on one care,” Patty Elliott, chamber member, said. “Their team supports homeowners, fellow businesses and community projects with knowledge and pride.
Honoring an individual who goes above and beyond the benefit of Washington, the 2025 Citizen of the Year was Steve Roth, for over five decades of leadership to the community.
“Steve is a man whose dedication has helped shape Washington for more than half a century,” Erik Buchholz, Chamber vice president, said. “For over 50 years, Steve has shown up not for recognition, but because he cares deeply about this community and the people that are in it. His humility, optimism and integrity inspire the rest of us to do more and to be better.”
Roth taught elementary physical education for 40 years, served 38 years as an assistant football coach, and he is entering his 50th season as the head boys track coach at Washington High School.
A well known figure in the community, a standing ovation occurred when Roth’s name was called for the award.
“Means a lot. What I've always told my kids is what you put into is what you get out, and this is 50 Years of what I got out of it,” Roth said. “I appreciate it very much.”
The last major award recipient of the night was Linda Quigley who was presented with the Harvey Holden Award. Since 1998 this award has been given to individuals whose leadership and dedication make Washington County better.
“For years, this individual has been a steady presence behind the scenes, organizing, supporting, stepping in wherever she's needed,” Mary Audia, outgoing Executive Director of WEDG, said about Quigley. “She has given her time generously, without fanfare and with genuine care for this community.”
