Business in Washington
Manufacturers are a major economic factor in Washington. Modine is a global manufacturer of heat transfer products and Syngenta, the agricultural-based business, is a soybean research facility. Whitesell Corp. is a wire products manufacturer. ACH Foam Technology is a major producer of extruded polystyrene. Iowa Bridge and Culvert manufactures concrete bridge parts and Crane Valve is an industrial valve manufacturer. Another manufacturer in Washington is Engineered Building Design. This company is a fabricator of building trusses. Just outside Washington, Premier Sheep operates a worldwide mail order business for sheep related products and also does some of its own product assembly.
Pohaku, one of the newest companies in Washington, is proof that Washington is serious about economic growth and development. Pohaku is a business development, marketing and market research provider. Their company provides Internet marketing, web development and database management. Pohaku employs people both locally and nationwide. They are known for their innovative graphic design and digital mastery.
Washington is home to five financial institutions, three of which are locally owned. Washington’s financial institutions encourage economic growth and currently list deposits totaling over $230 million.
Washington takes a serious approach to creating jobs and maintaining present business operations. Washington Economic Development Group (WEDG) has been a key source to encourage just such growth. WEDG works to promote development by providing necessary information and presents resources for new businesses that consider locating here. WEDG works with Washington businesses and investors to maintain and encourage industrial and agriculture expansion. WEDG currently owns an 18-acre industrial park with fully developed lots.
Washington’s Chamber of Commerce, an associate of economic development, has conducted the Leadership Washington program since 1990. The program is designed to teach and provide an introduction to the resources of the community as well as the challenges it faces. Leadership Washington has presented the community with 285 graduates for upcoming leaders in Washington. The Chamber also plans several special events with the business community annually and sells Chamber Currency, which encourages local shopping. In addition to acting as the community information hub, they maintain a community calendar of events, give business referrals and promote Washington on a daily basis.
The Washington Evening Journal is a daily paper that has reached out to the community and the surrounding area since 1893. It provides local news, commentary, daily local events and classifieds.
Washington plays host to its very own radio station. KCII reaches out to the surrounding area and provides the community with local up-to-date information. It provides parents with information such as school cancellations, sport events, as well as a variety of news, music and commentary.
