Washington Economic Development Group’s executive director is entering her second year in the position, with several projects under her belt and others to come in 2022.

The Washington County Board of Supervisors complimented Mary Audia during a meeting early this year on her collaborative efforts to boost economic growth and quality of life countywide. Projects in 2021 included the Premier 1 roadway paving that was thanks to the work of the previous WEDG director the late David Collins, a county workforce/childcare study and assistance to a recently opened daycare center in Ainsworth, and work to continue filling the Washington Business Park including the recent addition of Sterling Heller Ammunition.

A new Washington County resident, Audia says it’s been a joy to work with local organizations and businesses, “ I have the best board, I’m really lucky. The people that I get to work with, the supervisors, Main Street, the Chamber, City of Washington, all the cities in this county, everybody’s just been great, so I feel very fortunate. I really enjoy the work.”

Audia hopes to continue addressing the county’s childcare and labor shortage needs, and she looks forward to hosting Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham for a tour of the county’s local industry and points of interest which was rescheduled from December to this March.