Since 1998, the Washington Economic Development Group has awarded the Harvey Holden Outstanding Service Award. The award is named for Harvey Holden. Mr. Holden retired in 1998 from the City of Washington after several terms as Mayor, and several prior terms on the Washington City Council. He was a farmer and businessman. He served on the board of directors of several businesses and non‒profit organizations. He was a great volunteer for the Washington Economic Development Group. We are grateful for his leadership and will remember him with fondness.
2024
Washington County Libraries Kalona, Washington, and Wellman Libraries
Washington County Libraries Kalona, Washington, and Wellman Libraries
2023
Tim Rouse
Tim Rouse
2022
RenElla Crawford HACAP
RenElla Crawford HACAP
2021
Washington County Department of Public Health
Washington County Department of Public Health
2020
Brenneman Pork Washington County Hospital and Clinics
Brenneman Pork Washington County Hospital and Clinics
2019
YMCA of Washington County for exceptional implementation of inclusive services and programs in Washington County. Open Gates Group of Kalona for developing businesses that strengthen families and rural communities.
YMCA of Washington County for exceptional implementation of inclusive services and programs in Washington County. Open Gates Group of Kalona for developing businesses that strengthen families and rural communities.
2018
Kalona Cooperative Technology Company, Inc. for their significant expansion of their broadband infrastructure into the City of Washington and other parts of Washington County. City of Kalona for their cooperative effort to establish the Kalona Community Center.
Kalona Cooperative Technology Company, Inc. for their significant expansion of their broadband infrastructure into the City of Washington and other parts of Washington County. City of Kalona for their cooperative effort to establish the Kalona Community Center.
2017
Brava Roof Tile
Brava Roof Tile
2016
Washington County Riverboat Foundation for awarding over $38 million through over 1,000 grants, making a big impact on Washington County since 2006.
Washington County Riverboat Foundation for awarding over $38 million through over 1,000 grants, making a big impact on Washington County since 2006.
2015
Bazooka Farmstar for its history and growth in the community, and leadership as a positive workplace.
Bazooka Farmstar for its history and growth in the community, and leadership as a positive workplace.
2014
Kirkwood Washington Regional Center for opening a new $10 million regional education center
Kirkwood Washington Regional Center for opening a new $10 million regional education center
2013
Modine Manufacturing for their significant employment growth to over 280
Modine Manufacturing for their significant employment growth to over 280
2012
Reliant Long Term Care Pharmacy – for entrepreneurship and innovation
Reliant Long Term Care Pharmacy – for entrepreneurship and innovation
2011
Hog Slat – for opening a new manufacturing facility in Washington
Hog Slat – for opening a new manufacturing facility in Washington
2009
Wellman Area Foundation – for completion of Wellman Parkside Activities Center Washington Community School Board – for moving ahead to build a new Washington High School Modine Manufacturing – for keeping the Washington Modine plant open
Wellman Area Foundation – for completion of Wellman Parkside Activities Center Washington Community School Board – for moving ahead to build a new Washington High School Modine Manufacturing – for keeping the Washington Modine plant open
2008
Friends of Lake Darling State Park – for spearheading the development of a new 4‒Seasons Day‒use Lodge Whitesell Corporation – for their relocation and expansion in Washington
Friends of Lake Darling State Park – for spearheading the development of a new 4‒Seasons Day‒use Lodge Whitesell Corporation – for their relocation and expansion in Washington
2007
Washington Chamber of Commerce – for ongoing partnerships Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC – for building a 30 million gallon per year biodiesel refinery Riverside Casino & Golf Resort – for building a new resort casino and employing 300 people
Washington Chamber of Commerce – for ongoing partnerships Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC – for building a 30 million gallon per year biodiesel refinery Riverside Casino & Golf Resort – for building a new resort casino and employing 300 people
2006
Washington County Hospital Trustees – for building a new addition to the Washington County Hospital
Washington County Hospital Trustees – for building a new addition to the Washington County Hospital
2003
Washington Airport Commission – for innovation in developing new hangar and fueling facilities
Lifetime Achievement Award to William Sitler (in memoriam) – for starting two successful companies, Sitler Supplies and Sitler Electric; for starting the Washington Betterment Foundation; and for his commitment to other community causes and initiatives.
Washington Airport Commission – for innovation in developing new hangar and fueling facilities
Lifetime Achievement Award to William Sitler (in memoriam) – for starting two successful companies, Sitler Supplies and Sitler Electric; for starting the Washington Betterment Foundation; and for his commitment to other community causes and initiatives.
2002
Washington County Conservation Board – for development of new Marr Park Education Center in Ainsworth
Washington County Conservation Board – for development of new Marr Park Education Center in Ainsworth
2001
John Prochaska (in memoriam) – for community leadership and business entrepreneurship
John Prochaska (in memoriam) – for community leadership and business entrepreneurship
2000
Joe McConnell – for community leadership and dedication to WEDG
Joe McConnell – for community leadership and dedication to WEDG
1999
Keith Lazar – for community leadership and dedication to WEDG
Keith Lazar – for community leadership and dedication to WEDG
1998
Harvey Holden – for community leadership and public service as Mayor of Washington and the Washington City Council
Harvey Holden – for community leadership and public service as Mayor of Washington and the Washington City Council
WEDG partners with existing and new businesses for the benefit of all involved. We are the premier Economic Development organization in Washington County, Iowa.
I Want To...
Links
Serving all of Washington County: Washington • Kalona • Riverside • Wellman • Brighton • Ainsworth • Crawfordsville • West Chester • Coppock
Copyright © 2026 WEDG.
All rights reserved.
Developed and Maintained by The Dig Studios.
A local company in Washington, Iowa.