Nicole Desmond is employed at Deppe Farms, a family-owned business established right here in Washington in 1950.  She is a graduate of Washington High School earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Economics from the University of Missouri before returning to the family farm.
Nicole enjoys being involved in the community and volunteering her time. She served 9 years on the Washington Town and Country fair board and still continues to volunteer her time there whenever needed. She coached basketball for 12 years, served 5 years on the Athletic Board, and volunteered on the Auction Committee at St. Gertrude School.  Currently, Nicole is serving on the board for the FFA Foundation which helps all our surrounding High School FFA chapters. She has joined the Washington High Athletic Association auction committee and is in her 2nd year as an assistant coach for the WHS girls varsity basketball team.
Nicole is married to JJ Desmond. They reside on the family farm with their 5 kids. Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and friends.  Her hobbies include gardening, spending time outdoors, and cycling.

Michel "Shelley" Vollmer is a lifelong Washington resident who for the past 23 years has been the owner of Wimpy's Sandwich Shop on Jefferson Street.
Shelley is a graduate of Washington High School, East Central College, and Missouri Baptist University.
For the past 10 years, she has been on the Board of Public Water District #1 and she is active in the day to day operation of American Legion Post 218, serving as bookkeeper.
She has been responsible for the management of the Main Lunchstand at the Washington Town & Country Fair for the past 2 years and serves on the planning committee for the annual GoFund Charity Golf Classic. 
Shelley and her husband, Joe, have two sons, Colton and Connor.  In their free time, they enjoy all outdoor activities, especially camping and vacationing.

Steve Underwood graduated with a Finance Degree at Missouri State University, formerly Southwest Missouri State University, in Springfield, MO. 
Upon moving to Washington, MO in 1997, Steve began working at what is now United Mutual Insurance Company, formerly St. Johns Mutual Insurance. 
Steve has served in many trade and professional organizations including several terms on the Missouri Association of Mutual Insurance Company board and currently serves on the Grinnell Mutual Board of Directors, a regional property and casualty insurance provider.  Steve is the incoming President of the Rotary Club of Washington.
Steve is married to his wife, Kathy, of 33 yrs.  Steve & Kathy have two children, ages 25 & 27.  Steve says that raising his family here in the Washington community is one of the best decisions he has made.  The opportunities and friendships this community offers has been a tremendous blessing.  

The Missourian's annual Reader's Choice Awards were published in September and many of our members have been honored!  See the full special section here.

On Monday, October 3,  just over 200 people gathered at the annual Member Luncheon to recognize the Outstanding Young Professionals Class of 2022.  The event was held at the KC Hall in Washington.  Tables were decorated with centerpieces provided by Hillermann Nursery & Florist and advance copies of the OYP special section from The Missourian.  Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal from the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary and time to network and mingle before the awards program.
Thank you to everyone that attended our event, and a special thanks to our sponsors (listed below), and to the businesses and individuals that made nominations for our awards!  Our next membership event will be the Winter Mixer on Thursday, December 8.  We also have three community events coming up:  Music at the Market (Oct. 13), Pumpkin Palooza (Oct. 29), and Olde Fashioned Christmas (Nov. 27).

A Franklin County Candidate Forum will be held on Wednesday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Union High School Fine Arts Theatre.  The event is coordinated by the Pacific Area Chamber of Commerce, St. Clair Area Chamber of Commerce, Union Area Chamber of Commerce, and Washington Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Outstanding Young Professionals Class of 2022 will be recognized at the Member Luncheon on Monday, October 3rd.  For more information on the awards, along with a nomination form for 2023, visit the Awards page in the Programs Menu.

Together, the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce and Missourian Media Group are recognizing the up-and-coming generation of area leaders. Following are the rules for the “Outstanding Young Professional Awards.” Awards will be presented at a Chamber luncheon on Monday, October 3, 2022.

ELIGIBILITY
Nominees shall be an employee of a company or organization which holds a membership with the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce. Nominees must be 40 years or under as of January 1, 2022.

PROCEDURE
• Nominations are due at the Chamber Office by August 19, 2022.
• Nominations shall consist of the Official Nomination Form, including the following three questions
o How has the nominee gone above and beyond the call of duty for his or her employment position?
o Tell us about the nominee's involvement in industry-related organizations, including memberships, certifications, leadership roles, and other professional development
o What participation, involvement, or leadership roles has the nominee held in their community?
• The persons selected to receive awards will be notified to ensure attendance at the Chamber Luncheon.

JUDGING
Judging will be done by a committee of five: three from the Membership PR committee of the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce and two from Missourian Media Group. The committee reserves the right to determine additional persons for consideration.

The Outstanding Young Professional Awards were created in 2013.  To date, the Chamber and Missourian have honored 119 recipients.  Information on past honorees is available at www.washmochamber.org/PastAwardWinners.