Washington Economic Development Group

While there is still much work to be completed, we believe that under the direction of director Audia and the WEDG Board, we are moving in the right direction. We are excited about what the next year will bring, and are confident that future years will continue building upon that success.

Business Retention and Attraction- We attracted a large Manufacturing/Distribution company to Washington (via the WEDG listing on the LOIS system). This means greater than 70 jobs once hiring begins sometime this year, injecting money spent into our local businesses!

We helped to pave a road, through a collaborative paving project involving Premier 1, Washington County, the IDOT, and WEDG. Premier 1 received an Iowa Department of Transportation Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy (RISE) grant with WEDG’s assistance. This DOT grant of $250,000 went toward a $2.2 million paving project. Premier 1 and Washington County shared the remainder of the cost. The project paved 2.7 miles along 300th Street, Kiwi Avenue, and 290th Street making a safer passage for numerous drivers navigating the country roads.

The paving continued between Johnson County, Washington County, ICAD, WEDG and Farmers Hen House. They too, now have a safer road! Johnson County Secondary Roads seal-coated about 1.5 miles of the road on 520th St. to Hwy 1. They also installed signage approved by the DOT warning drivers of turning truck traffic. This has improved safety, visibility and productivity!

Workforce — Our Kirkwood-sponsored High-Quality Jobs Program has benefited local manufacturing companies in our area providing tax credits/incentives to our investor businesses for $1,145,000 plus 84 jobs. We are a catalyst for thought-provoking quarterly Workforce Initiative meetings and leadership development opportunities between local industry leaders and Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Economic Development personnel.

Housing- A much-needed housing development (NLW) and a manufacturing business (Brava Roof Tile) began, increasing our local housing inventory and bringing a dynamic industry to our community thanks to the collaboration of WEDG, the City of Washington, and Whitesell. Brava continues to grow and expand. This also produces productive jobs and tax revenue for the Washington community.

Multiple housing projects are well underway throughout the county including SouthTown Development and Pleasantview expansion in Kalona, Northridge Subdivision in Riverside, Country club View Estates in Washington, lot clearing in Wellman for future housing and owner-occupied rehab in Ainsworth.

Childcare — WEDG assisted a local child care center in finding their current home with a $27,000 Child Care Challenge grant, which allows for 49 child care slots (out of 844 needed) plus filling a space in the Ainsworth City Building/formerly the elementary school.

We’re currently facilitating meetings between two large child care centers while remaining supportive of our in-home providers to fill our 844-slot deficit in Washington County.

Community Support- WEDG brought state and federal awareness to Washington County with two Sen. Grassley visits and two Debi Durham (Director of the Iowa Finance Authority) visits which, as funding solutions go, led to many local benefits including a pilot program for homeowners in Washington to repair their homes, injecting over $300,000 into this area.

The Ag sector, a dedicated partner, continues to be an economic driver providing a solid framework for exciting futuristic opportunities such as renewable energy, automation, biodiversity, and workforce solutions, leading to expansive utility and broadband infrastructure growth and connection throughout the county. With all of these wonderful resources, our schools and other non-profit organizations also continue to successfully grow and expand.

Mary Audia is a Member of the Following Boards and Committees:

ECICOG Board

ECIHTF Board

Main Street Washington, Ex Officio Board

Washington Chamber of Commerce, Ex Officio Board

Kalona Economic Development Group Board

Community Foundation of Washington County Board

Washington Noon Rotary Board

Washington County EMS Advisory Panel

Envision Iowa Advisory Panel

Great Places Committee Member