Samantha Meyer was announced as the new Executive Director for Main Street Washington after longtime Executive Director Sarah Grunewaldt stepped down earlier this year. Previously Meyer had been involved with marketing and business relations for Kalona Cooperative Technology Company (KCTC) and previously served as the Development Coordinator for the Washington County Hospital Foundation. Meyer has several years of experience in fundraising, grant writing, donor and volunteer recruitment, and event planning.

Meyer spoke with KCII radio, and when asked about what she would want her lasting legacy to be as Executive Director, and said that she wants to make downtown Washington a destination. “I would love it if everybody had a favorite downtown store. Because not everybody does right now, and I think that is a big marker because I think a lot of people can drive past our downtown. I want everybody to have a favorite downtown place or store; I don’t care if it’s an insurance place, I want people to have those favorite businesses they enjoy going to and using.”

Meyer also hinted at the idea of starting new community events and was looking forward to her first events that are going to be under her supervision during the winter schedule.