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All but a few raindrops stayed away and we enjoyed a great day at Wolf Hollow Golf Club with 27 teams on Friday, May 12! Thank you to our golfers and volunteers for supporting the event, to Grey Eagle Distributors and Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of New Haven for donating raffle prizes, and to Hoffmann-Hillermann Nursery & Florist and National Fire Suppression for providing the attendance prizes. Flight 1 1st place: Sam Unnerstall, Ben Hotz, Brad Carpenter, Jake Brandt (Bank of Washington) 2nd place: Derek Schriewer, Scott Sullivan, David Schriewer, Rick Marquart (Janie Schriewer & Associates) 3rd place: Jordan Faerber, Blake Kluesner, Brady Schwarts, Spencer Nothum (GenFinity Wealth Management) Flight 2 1st Place: Mike See, Jason Fitzgerald, Kelly Kureger, Chad Carter (Pepsi) 2nd Place: Dylan Brocato, Jake Jinkerson, Casey Harting, Missy Maune (First State Community Bank) 3rd Place: Luke Meyer, Kyle Wolfe, Dave Engelbrecht, Donna Klott (Citizens Bank) Skins Tournament Winner Jordan Faerber, Blake Kluesner, Brady Schwarts, Spencer Nothum (GenFinity Wealth Management) Closest to the Pin Winners Joe Ballmann Becky Buhr John McCormack Cathy Roberson Thanks again to our sponsors!
We have a few new opportunities for members, as well as some that we haven’t mentioned in a while, so I wanted to put them all together in one spot for you, and include timelines so you don’t accidentally miss something Video Series Interviews We will be working with students from the CAPS Program at Four Rivers Career Center to develop video interviews with our members about the impact of the Chamber in their business, and in the community as a whole. Other videos will focus on educating the community on the Chamber's purpose, history, and outlook. This is a great way to feature your business as well as your involvement in the Chamber! We will post these to our Facebook and YouTube accounts and tag you on Facebook. Timeline: Work will begin on these projects later this month, so we appreciate your response by Feb. 20! To participate, please complete the appropriate form:
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 Timeline: Ongoing. Music at the Market commitment due by April 1. To Participate: Complete this form! |  Timeline: Ongoing. Pub Crawl commitment due by February 13. To Participate: Complete this form! |
NEW EVENT: Business Resource Fair - May 9
After the 2023 Chamber Education Series was announced, a number of businesses expresses interest in giving presentations to increase awareness of the ways they were able to help business owners and managers, and the idea of the Business Resource Fair was born!
The event is being organized by the CAPS students, in partnership with the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Washington, and Downtown Washington, Inc.
The Business Resource Fair will feature an exhibit space to showcase resources for current and prospective business owners, as well as break-out sessions with presentations and workshops.
*A Business Resource Guide will be created featuring participants and will be published on the Chamber website.
Additional details will be published when available, and CAPS students will follow up with interested exhibitors and presenters.
Timeline: First Come, First Served. Deadline to Register April 15.
To Participate: Sign Up Here!
The event is being organized by the CAPS students, in partnership with the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Washington, and Downtown Washington, Inc.
The Business Resource Fair will feature an exhibit space to showcase resources for current and prospective business owners, as well as break-out sessions with presentations and workshops.
*A Business Resource Guide will be created featuring participants and will be published on the Chamber website.
Additional details will be published when available, and CAPS students will follow up with interested exhibitors and presenters.
Timeline: First Come, First Served. Deadline to Register April 15.
To Participate: Sign Up Here!
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Nine lunchtime education sessions have been planned for the coming year. Space at each event is limited, so interested participants should RSVP in advance to Cheryl (63-239-2715 x102) or visit the Education Series page for online registration links.
Cost for each event is $20 and includes lunch.
Special Thanks to our Education Series sponsors: Bank of Franklin County and Bank of Washington. Click Here for a printable schedule for 2023.
The series kicks off with "Delegate Like a Boss," presented by Erin Joy, on January 24. For more details on the January event, view this flyer.
Cost for each event is $20 and includes lunch.
Special Thanks to our Education Series sponsors: Bank of Franklin County and Bank of Washington. Click Here for a printable schedule for 2023.
The series kicks off with "Delegate Like a Boss," presented by Erin Joy, on January 24. For more details on the January event, view this flyer.
- January 12 - Business Breakfast Meeting
- January 24 - Education Series
- January 30 - 100th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting
- February 24 - Government Forum
- February 28 - Education Series
- March 25 - Annual Banquet
- March 28 - Education Series
- April 25 - Education Series
- May 11 - Music at the Market
- May 12 - Golf Tourney
- May 23 - Education Series
- June 1 - Summer Mixer
- June 8 - Music at the Market
- June 27 - Education Series
- June 23 - Cajun Festival
- July 13 - Music at the Market
- August 18 - OYP Nominations Due!
- August 22 - Education Series
- September 14 - Music at the Market
- September 26 - Education Series
- October 2 - Member Luncheon
- October 12 - Music at the Market
- October 24 - Education Series
- October 28 - Pumpkin Palooza
- November 26 - Olde Fashioned Christmas
- December 14 - Winter Mixer
The Washington Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Shelley Vollmer (Wimpy's Sandwich Shop) to the Board of Directors. She was chosen through a membership-wide ballot that included three nominees, selected by a committee or past board chairs.
"Shelley will make a wonderful addition to our board," said Chamber President, Jennifer Giesike. "She embodies the volunteerism that our area is known for and brings many years of business experience." Board members typically serve two, 3-year terms on the board, although if selected by fellow directors to the Executive Board, additional years can be served. Vollmer replaces Paul Brune, (MFA, Inc.), whose term ended on December 31, 2022.
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 has two sons, Colton and Connor, with her late husband, Joe. In their free time, they enjoy all outdoor activities, especially camping and vacationing.
Vollmer will join 15 others on the 2023 Board of Directors.
Executive Board
Board of Directors
"Shelley will make a wonderful addition to our board," said Chamber President, Jennifer Giesike. "She embodies the volunteerism that our area is known for and brings many years of business experience." Board members typically serve two, 3-year terms on the board, although if selected by fellow directors to the Executive Board, additional years can be served. Vollmer replaces Paul Brune, (MFA, Inc.), whose term ended on December 31, 2022.
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 has two sons, Colton and Connor, with her late husband, Joe. In their free time, they enjoy all outdoor activities, especially camping and vacationing.
Vollmer will join 15 others on the 2023 Board of Directors.
Executive Board
- Jay Nowak (Bank of Washington) – Chairman
- Steve Strubberg (Horn Architects) – 1st Vice Chair
- Tanya McCormack (Washington Hearing Center) - 2nd Vice Chair
- Luke Meyer (Citizens Bank )
- Karen Timpe (Empac Group, Inc.)
- Andy Robinson – Ex-Officio
Board of Directors
- Josh Brinker (Bank of Franklin County)
- Joyce Couch (Past Fair Chairman)
- Becky Cox (Four Rivers Family YMCA)
- Don Grahl (The Creek Grill & Sports Bar)
- Scott Hillermann (Hoffmann-Hillermann Nursery & Florist)
- Joe Maniaci (Empac Group, Inc.)
- Scott Mentz (Mentz Foundations)
- Tricia Piontek (The Magnet Group)
- Kevin Richardson (Zick, Voss, Politte & Richardson, P.C.)
INDIANAPOLIS, IND. – Nov. 30, 2022 – Today at the Convention of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, Jennifer Giesike, President/CEO of the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce and the manager of the Washington Town and Country Fair, Washington, Mo., was named 2023 chair of the IAFE.
Giesike has been with the Washington Chamber for 22 years. She was involved with the Fair for many years before becoming the manager, showing market animals, exhibiting 4-H items, and serving as a fair assistant.
The day-to-day operations of the Chamber and the Fair are overseen by Giesike, and she works closely with a 24-member volunteer Fair Board and a 16-member volunteer Chamber Board.
Giesike received her IAFE Certified Fair Executive (CFE) designation in April 2008 and graduated in the first class of the Institute of Fair Management in December 2009. She has served as the IAFE Zone 5 director, co-chair of the Young Professionals Initiative, chair of the 2019 IAFE Convention Program Committee, CFE Committee, the Membership Committee, and the County Fair Committee, and was awarded the first IAFE YP Rising Star Award in December 2009. In 2020 Jennifer completed the IAFE Institute of Fair Management Leadership Graduate Track requirements.
In her spare time, Giesike enjoys spending time with her family, working on the family farm, playing volleyball, running, and coaching the Washington High School varsity volleyball team.
IAFE is a voluntary, not-for-profit corporation, serving state, provincial, regional, and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions. Its associate members include state and provincial associations of fairs, non-agricultural expositions and festivals, associations, corporations, and individuals engaged in providing products and services to its members, all of whom are interested in the improvement of fairs and allied fields.
The IAFE began in 1885 with a half-dozen fairs. Today, the IAFE represents more than 1,100 fairs around the world and more than 900 members from allied fields. Throughout the years, the IAFE has remained true to its purpose of promoting and encouraging the development and improvement of agricultural fairs, shows, and expositions.
Giesike has been with the Washington Chamber for 22 years. She was involved with the Fair for many years before becoming the manager, showing market animals, exhibiting 4-H items, and serving as a fair assistant.
The day-to-day operations of the Chamber and the Fair are overseen by Giesike, and she works closely with a 24-member volunteer Fair Board and a 16-member volunteer Chamber Board.
Giesike received her IAFE Certified Fair Executive (CFE) designation in April 2008 and graduated in the first class of the Institute of Fair Management in December 2009. She has served as the IAFE Zone 5 director, co-chair of the Young Professionals Initiative, chair of the 2019 IAFE Convention Program Committee, CFE Committee, the Membership Committee, and the County Fair Committee, and was awarded the first IAFE YP Rising Star Award in December 2009. In 2020 Jennifer completed the IAFE Institute of Fair Management Leadership Graduate Track requirements.
In her spare time, Giesike enjoys spending time with her family, working on the family farm, playing volleyball, running, and coaching the Washington High School varsity volleyball team.
IAFE is a voluntary, not-for-profit corporation, serving state, provincial, regional, and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions. Its associate members include state and provincial associations of fairs, non-agricultural expositions and festivals, associations, corporations, and individuals engaged in providing products and services to its members, all of whom are interested in the improvement of fairs and allied fields.
The IAFE began in 1885 with a half-dozen fairs. Today, the IAFE represents more than 1,100 fairs around the world and more than 900 members from allied fields. Throughout the years, the IAFE has remained true to its purpose of promoting and encouraging the development and improvement of agricultural fairs, shows, and expositions.
The Washington Area Chamber of Commerce has one Board of Directors position to fill for 2023.
The following three nominees were selected from a highly qualified field of candidates: Nicole Desmond, Steve Underwood, and Shelley Vollmer
Ballots will be mailed to members by November 15 and are due back to the Chamber Office by December 1.
The following three nominees were selected from a highly qualified field of candidates: Nicole Desmond, Steve Underwood, and Shelley Vollmer
Ballots will be mailed to members by November 15 and are due back to the Chamber Office by December 1.
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.
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.
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.
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.
 | Each year, members receive an updated year plate for their Membership Plaque after paying their annual dues. Over the years, the plaque itself has changed. Do you have a classic? As trendy as that vintage look is, we would love to get you an update plaque with our current logo! If you need a current plaque, please call the office at 636-239-2715 or e-mail us! **If you have a different plaque than any of the ones shown, we definitely need a picture - tag us on social media or e-mail it to us! Thanks for proudly showing off your Chamber Membership to all who visit your business! |
| The Growth Coach of West St. Louis County will present "Smart Time Management" on Thursday, November 3rd at The 514 (514 W Front Street, Washington, MO 63090). The professional development session will be held 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., followed by the WashMO YP's monthly Happy Hour 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the same location. The event is open to local 21-40-year-olds and attendees are not requiered to work for Chamber Member businesses. There is no fee to attend, but pre-registration is appreciated. If you have questions, please contact Amanda (636-239-2715 x106). Feedback for YP events for 2023 is encouraged!   |  |
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