About UsWith 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. |
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2021 Board of Directors
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Chamber Staff
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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
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
