About the Chamber

With over 500 members and an annual operating budget of over $2 million, the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce has been ranked the second-largest chamber in the region by the St. Louis Business Journal. Our chamber, founded in 1923, is unique because it has three main operating components; the Chamber Office, the Washington Town & Country Fair, and the Washington Division of Tourism. The Town & Country Fair is the third-largest fair in the state, bringing five days of fun and entertainment to Washington every August.  In 1999, a lodging tax was created, with proceeds going specifically towards marketing Washington as a tourist destination. The Director of Tourism has been employed by the Chamber since the position was created.

Our mission  is to provide services that strengthen our member businesses, and enhance the local economic climate and the quality of life of area residents.  We work toward our mission through partnerships with the City of Washington and Downtown Washington, Inc., paying attention to issues that affect the continued viability of existing local businesses, and attracting new business and expansion to the area.  Community events are provided, in addition to our business networking and development events, to enhance the area's spirit of community, and we're proud to actively support the efforts of other organizations to do the same.

About our Community

Washington is located on the south side of the Missouri River, just 40 miles west of St. Louis, at the junction of state highways 100 and 47 and is the site of one of the few bridges over the Missouri River. It is less than an hour’s drive from St. Louis via Interstate 44 or 70. Washington’s restored 1923 railroad depot receives Amtrak service, from St. Louis and Kansas City, twice daily. The Washington Airport is located 1.5 miles north on Highway 47, offering a 5,000 foot long, hard surface runway. The airport is equipped with GPS and VOR Approach Systems and has aircraft fuel available onsite.

Washington has a population of approximately 14,000 people with an additional 25,000 within a 10-mile radius.  Washington prides itself on friendliness, hospitality and an enormous amount of community spirit.

Shopping is a popular draw to Washington. Washington’s German heritage is historically preserved in its downtown, which houses antique shops, boutiques, specialty stores, art galleries and a variety of fine restaurants in its historic buildings. There are also several wonderful shopping centers with nationwide stores represented. Washington’s location is central to Missouri Wine Country, where a multitude of wineries offer visitors a taste of vintage Missouri wines.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or novice, you’ll find the abundance of outdoor activities refreshing and invigorating.  Washington's sprawling park system boasts a Disc Golf Course, Skate Park, Tennis Complex, Dog Park, six playgrounds,  and plenty of athletic fields, plus a brand new aquatic complex opening in 2021.  There are many trail options, including the 5-mile Rotary Riverfront Trail, Phoenix Park, picturesque Lions Lake, and Miller-Post Nature Reserve.  The area is also home to a few first class golf courses.

2021 Board of Directors

Chamber Staff

Ambassadors

The Ambassadors Club is made up of Past Presidents and Past Chairmen of the Chamber Board.  The ambassadors meet six times a year to stay up-to-date on the happenings within the Chamber Office.  Ambassadors also volunteer to help when needed at Chamber events and functions, and serve as a “welcoming committee” for new members by delivering plaques and attending ribbon cuttings.

Members of the Ambassadors Club include:  Mike Marquart (President), Jane Haberberger (Vice President), Sandy Anderson, Gerry Bayless, Randy Brown, Bill Carr, Rich Deppe, Mary Dobsch, Wayne Dothage, Buzz Eckelkamp, Jim Eckelkamp, James Feltmann, Sr., Rita Griesheimer, Walter Hellebusch, Tom Holdmeier, Rick Hopp, Bob Jones, Steve Kuenzel, Daryl Lamb, Sandy Lucy, Walt Luther, Bill Miller, Jr., Don Northington, Dave Politte, Dr. Mike Radetic, Melvin Roewe, Arnie Sallaberry,  Julie Scannell, Joe Schneider, Bill Straatmann, Gary Terschluse, Pete Tobben, Les Unnerstall, Tim Unnerstall, Kurt Voss, Mark Wessels, Gael Wood