• Hours:  Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
WASHINGTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
  • 323 W Main Street
    Washington, MO  63090
  • (636) 239-2715
  • info@washmo.org
  • aBOUT uS
  • About Us
  • EVENTS
    • Community Calendar
    • Annual Banquet
    • Business Breakfast
    • Cajun Festival
    • Education Series
    • Fair Kick-Off Party
    • Government Forum
    • Golf Tourney
    • Member Luncheon
    • Music at the Market
    • Olde Fashioned Christmas
    • PumpkinPalooza
    • Summer Mixer
    • Winter Mixer
  • Membership
    • Join the Chamber
    • Benefits of Membership
      • Board Room Rental
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Business Resources
    • Awards
    • Get Involved
      • School/Business Partnership
      • Young Professionals
  • NEWS
    • Our Blog
    • Member News
    • Job Openings
    • Promotions & Deals
  • DIRECTORY
  • LIVE IN WASHMO
  • About Us
  • EVENTS
    • Community Calendar
    • Annual Banquet
    • Business Breakfast
    • Cajun Festival
    • Education Series
    • Fair Kick-Off Party
    • Government Forum
    • Golf Tourney
    • Member Luncheon
    • Music at the Market
    • Olde Fashioned Christmas
    • PumpkinPalooza
    • Summer Mixer
    • Winter Mixer
  • Membership
    • Join the Chamber
    • Benefits of Membership
      • Board Room Rental
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Business Resources
    • Awards
    • Get Involved
      • School/Business Partnership
      • Young Professionals
  • NEWS
    • Our Blog
    • Member News
    • Job Openings
    • Promotions & Deals
  • DIRECTORY
  • LIVE IN WASHMO

Virtual Business Meeting Details

1/13/2021

 
We're excited to hold our Annual Business Meeting on Thursday, January 14 at 8:30 a.m.  Instead of gathering at a banquet hall, this year's event will be live-streamed on our Facebook and YouTube pages for members to enjoy from their homes or businesses.  No pre-registration is required, and the recording will remain available for viewing after the livestream concludes. 

​Below are links to the Event Program and to the Facebook and YouTube  livestreams.
​
Picture
Picture
Picture

Member Feature:  Work to begin on Bank of Franklin County flagship location

1/6/2021

 
Picture
Picture
Bank of Franklin County has unveiled its plans for the construction of their new flagship retail location at 5702 Highway 100, Washington, MO, the current site of their Rabbit Trail branch.  

The 3,500 square foot branch will seamlessly integrate cutting-edge, intuitive branch technology, a modernized workspace to increase accessibility to personal bankers, as well as other amenities and design elements to ensure this model is comfortable for both tech-savvy and traditional banking customers alike.
“Our mission has always been to evolve the bank to meet the needs of the community and our customers. I do not envision a time when people will not want to talk face-to-face to a banking professional regarding big financial decisions – we feel this smart branch is the perfect union of personal customer attention and efficient technology.”
Robert D. Dobsch, President and CEO
Follow the Progress
bank website
bank facebook page
The new smart branch will perfectly meld the high level of friendly service our customers are accustomed to with a range of technological solutions to provide full-service transactions.  New features include:
  • Next-generation wireless technology which will enable employees to provide on-the-spot assistance anywhere in the lobby and deliver a more personal level customer service;
  • Two, handicap-accessible, digital tech bars which will enable employees to offer one-on-one assistance and tutorials on customers’ personal devices when setting up internet or mobile banking personal features;
  • Interactive Teller Machines (ITM) in the two-lane drive up to allow remote connection to a human banker, and are able to complete nearly every transaction you are accustomed to at a traditional teller line including cashing a check down to the penny;
  • A walk-up ITM on the exterior of the building to serve customers who wish to quickly and conveniently transact business without having to enter the lobby;
  • Teller Cash Machines that can dispense cash allowing our universal bankers to process transactions more quickly; and
  • Dedicated rooms equipped with built-in teleconferencing capabilities which will allow our universal bankers to provide face-to-face service to customers who prefer a remote option. 
"Our goal is to more than deliver on our 'same great bank, next-generation branch' tagline that we introduced last year when we started the remodel of several of our other branches. Creating a unified, seamless experience across our banking channels, whether it is online, mobile, or in-person, is our top priority. No matter how you choose to bank with us, your service experience will be consistent."
Becky Buhr, Sr. VP of Finance and Retail Sales Manager
Buhr continued by stating, “The digital advances we’re going to introduce at this smart branch will not simply be add-ons to outdated banking practices, but rather they are designed to be enhancements to our current banking culture. We’re here to create a welcoming experience where customers feel comfortable transacting business and receiving financial guidance no matter which channel they choose.”
Once completed, the two-story, 15,000 square foot structure will include a retail banking center and two smaller rental units on the first floor.  The bank will occupy 75% of the building with backroom operations claiming space on the second floor. 
“With 5 locations and total assets now approaching $300 million, we have long since outgrown our existing facilities here in Washington. We plan to continue to grow, and this new facility is a key part of the plan. At the same time, we are extremely proud of what we have accomplished in the past 20 years, and this further solidifies our commitment to our customers and the communities in Franklin and surrounding counties.”
Mike Radetic, Board Director
With construction anticipated to start at the beginning of February, it will be necessary to close the current Rabbit Trail location on January 30, 2021. Other locations will remain open with normal hours of operations.  As of today, lobbies are only accessible by appointment to ensure the safety of employees and customers during this pandemic. 
While the future impact the pandemic will have on our communities is uncertain, the bank eagerly looks forward to being able to reopen their lobbies and welcome their customers back.
“We look forward to extending a warm welcome to our new neighbors and customers, and thank those who have been with us for the 20 years we’ve been operating in your neighborhoods.”
Jane Glastetter, CFO
The bank has enlisted the services of Washington Engineering & Architecture, Inc. and Jasper Builders, Inc. to complete this project.  ​
​
Picture
​Bank of Franklin County is an independent and locally owned community bank with five locations in St. Louis area serving Franklin, St. Charles, St. Louis and Warren Counties.  In addition to its full service banking locations, Bank of Franklin County also owns and operates Missouri Valley Wealth Management, LLC along with Franklin Mortgage Company, LLC as wholly owned subsidiaries of the bank.

​For more information about Bank of Franklin County please visit 
www.bankfc.com

2021 Sponsorship Opportunities

12/17/2020

 
Picture
​Base sponsorship includes signage
at the event, and listing in e-mail invitation/program.
*Tier 2 (limited availability) includes signage at each table and tickets to event.

Business Breakfast
Jan. 14
$125 | $250*

Annual Banquet
Apr. 10
$150 | $350*

Summer Mixer
June 3
$125

Member Luncheon
Oct. 4
$125 | $250*

Winter Mixer
Dec. 9
$125
Picture
Base sponsorship includes signage at the event and listing on event webpage. 
*Tier 2 (limited availability) includes listing on event posters and e-mails. 
​**Tier 3 (limited availability) includes logo/link on event e-mails and webpage.

Music at the Market
2nd Thursday, May, June, July, Sept. Oct.
$250 | $500* | $1,000**

Fair Kick-Off Party
August 1
$100

Pumpkin Palooza
Oct. 30
$100 | $500*

Olde Fashioned Christmas
Nov. 28
$100
Picture
Government Forum
Feb. 26
$50 - signage at event

Sprouts Kids Club at the 
Farmers’ Market
$250 - Name on market brochure, website, and e-mails, logo on shirt
$1,000 - Signage at check-in table, logo on brochure/website/e-mails, logo on shirt

Chamber Golf Tourney
$100 Hole Sponsor - signage at course
$250 Drink Sponsor (limited) - signage at course and drink cart
$500 Lunch Sponsor - logo/link on website, signage at course and meal
$750 Dinner Sponsor - logo/link on website, signage at course and meal
Picture
​Fake Paddy’s Day Pub Crawl
March 6
$1,000 Logo on shirts, e-mail invite, posters, Facebook event cover, logo & link on event webpage.

E-newsletter (new for ‘21!)
Sent monthly with event/committee updates.  Base sponsorship includes text listing.
​Tier 2* (limited) has logo & link.

$120 | $600*  price includes all 12 issues for 2021
Programs
Five program committees (professional development,social, family fun, WashMO made, outreach) will each plan two events annually.
$100 per program

Interested?  Let us know with one of the forms below!

Printable Commitment Form

​Online Commitment Form

*Invoices will be sent after commitments are received - you will not pay through the online form.
Picture

Save the Dates - 2021 Event Schedule

12/17/2020

 
Would you like to support any of these events through sponsorship?  We have multiple commitment levels available, so you can choose the amount and benefits that work best for your business!  Learn more on our sponsorship blog post, and then sign-up with our online form.  Thank you!
Picture

New Location for Creative Touch Paint & Design!

12/17/2020

 
Picture
Picture
A ribbon cutting was held Thursday, December 17 to celebrate the new location for Creative Touch Paint & Design!
The business, owned by Janet Rudd, offers Interior and Exterior painting, Designing, Faux finishes, Murals, Wallpaper, Furniture and Cabinet painting.  Creative classes will be offered in 2021 as well. 
​The business is located at 5475 Hwy 100, Unit C.  For more information, visit www.creativetouch.design.

*Masks were worn at this event and removed only briefly for the photograph.

Picture
Picture
The Creative Touch Paint & Design by Janet Rudd Facebook Page is full of work samples and videos.  Their work is amazing and so much fun to watch!

Piontek & Richardson Selected to Chamber Board

12/17/2020

 
Picture
The Washington Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Tricia Piontek (The Magnet Group) and Kevin Richardson (Zick, Voss, Politte & Richardson, P.C.) to the Board of Directors.  They were chosen through a membership-wide ballot that included four nominees, selected by a committee of past board chairs. 
 
“We’re excited to add Tricia and Kevin to our team.  Both have a great appreciation for our community, and we are grateful for their willingness to serve our Chamber in this capacity,” said Chamber President, Jennifer Giesike.  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.  Piontek and Richardson will replace Dave Politte (Zick, Voss, Politte & Richardson, P.C.) and Casey Zastrow (American Family Insurance), whose terms will end on December 31, 2020.
 
Tricia Piontek has been with The Magnet Group since 2002 and currently holds the position of Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Brands Division.  She served on the Our Lady of Lourdes School Board and is an experienced volunteer, helping plan and execute school auctions, parish breakfasts and dinners, and fundraisers for the Washington Junior ROTC Booster Club.  She and her family enjoy supporting local events and businesses.  Tricia and her husband, Allan, have five adult children – Nicole (Brueggenjohann), Holly (Wunderlich), Sydney, Samuel, and Jackson. 
 
Kevin Richardson is a partner and attorney at Zick, Voss, Politte & Richardson, P.C., where he has worked since 2003.  Kevin has served on the Board of Directors for TEMCO, Inc. and the Franklin County Area United Way and on the Parish Finance Committee at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.  He was President of the 20th Judicial Circuit Bar Association, and was named to the Chamber Outstanding Young Professionals Class of 2013.  Kevin and his wife, Sarah, have two children, Audrey and Will.
 
Piontek and Richardson will join 14 others on the 2021 Board of Directors.
 
Executive Board
  • Paul Brune (MFA Co-Op #2) – Chairman
  • Andy Robinson (School District of Washington) - 1st Vice Chair
  • Jay Nowak (Bank of Washington) - 2nd Vice Chair
  • Dan Cassette (Cassette Electric) – Ex-Officio
  • Steve Strubberg (Horn Architects)
  • Karen Timpe (Legacy Embroidery & Screenprinting)
Board of Directors
  • Josh Brinker (Bank of Franklin County)
  • Becky Cox (Four Rivers Family YMCA)
  • Scott Hillermann (Hillermann Nursery & Florist)
  • Joe Maniaci (PFG Fox River Foods)
  • Tanya McCormack (Washington Hearing Center)
  • Luke Meyer (Citizens Bank)
  • Craig Mueller (Imo’s Pizza / Sugarfire Smokehouse)
  • Jason Unnerstall (Past Fair Chairman)

Cold, Flu or Covid?

12/11/2020

 
In a normal year, it is about the time we would be warning you about influenza (flu) and how you can tell whether you or your child is suffering from the flu or a cold. But as we all know, this is no normal year. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is another threat to your health that can add to the confusion.

These three diseases are somewhat similar – they are all respiratory illnesses caused by viruses. They can all cause coughing, a sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose. Both the flu and COVID-19 can cause a fever, headache, body aches, pains or chills. But, there are ways to tell the difference.

The COVID-19 symptom that stands out, and that you have probably heard about, is a new loss of taste or smell. It also can cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, along with nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. These gastrointestinal symptoms are more common in children.

When it comes to telling the difference between a cold and the flu, keep in mind that a cold can cause sneezing and may cause only a low-grade fever or no fever at all.

Even if you know which infection you are dealing with, and you do not need emergency care, it is a good idea to contact your primary care physician. We may want you tested to confirm whether you have COVID-19 or the flu, and one test can be run to check for both viruses. You can then work with your doctor to determine the best treatment and to monitor you in case more aggressive treatment is needed. That treatment will not include antibiotics, which do not treat viral infections.

Here’s the good news with all of these viruses: the actions you take to protect yourself from one of them will protect you from all three. The steps we recommend to prevent the spread of COVID-19 – wearing a face mask around others and staying at least six feet apart – work well. But do not forget about the simpler steps we should always take, such as washing your hands, cleaning high-touch surfaces regularly and staying away from others when you are feeling ill.

You also can protect yourself and others by getting your flu shot. While it is best to get vaccinated in September or October before flu season typically starts, it is not too late. You can still benefit from getting your flu shot.
​
A COVID-19 vaccine is on the way, but it will be several months before it is available widely. Please continue to wear a mask in public and keep your social distance while we work to get the vaccine to our patients as quickly as possible. If you have any concerns about a vaccine, please discuss them with your primary care physician. We are here to help you.
Picture
Dr. Christina Garretto is a board-certified family physician. She cares for patients of all ages at Mercy Clinic Primary Care – Patients First Drive in Washington. Learn more about her at mercy.net or call her office at 636-239-4100.

Drive-Thru Olde Fashioned Christmas Recap

12/11/2020

 
On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, we celebrated a different, but still magical Olde Fashioned Christmas event!  With a small army of volunteers, lights were hung, donated decorations were placed throughout the Main & Elm parking lot and goodies were staged along the route.

Participants received an event booklet with activities and a coloring sheet, crayons, and candy canes early in the line, and then received hot cocoa or cider and sugar cookies as they pulled in front of the Farmers' Market.  A take-home craft packet was given to children as they drove through the decoration display, and after driving past the live reindeer and Mr. & Mrs. Claus, children had a chance to leave a letter for Santa at the North Pole Post Office.

Picture
Picture
Olde Fashioned Christmas is always a free event, but this year we did encourage participants donate canned goods.  In total, 208 items and $135 were taken to Loving Hearts Outreach after the event.

Our traffic plan worked well for the 300 cars that drove through the event and we saw many excited and grateful smiles. 

​Thank you to everyone that helped make this event a success!

Welcome, Washington Hearing Center!

11/20/2020

 
Picture
Thursday, November 19 was a picture perfect morning for our ribbon cutting for Dr. Tanya (Jones) McCormack at Washington Hearing Center!  Her office is at 1713 Madison Avenue, Suite 200. 

​More info at washingtonhearingcenter.com

2021 Board of Director Nominees

11/13/2020

 
The Washington Area Chamber of Commerce has two Board of Directors positions to fill for 2021.  
The following four nominees were selected from a highly qualified field of candidates:  Steven Kuenzel, Jr., Carrie Maune, Tricia Piontek, and Kevin Richardson.
​
Picture
Steven P. Kuenzel Jr. “Steve”, is a Partner at the law firm of Eckelkamp Kuenzel LLP, Washington Mo.  He has worked full time as an attorney at Eckelkamp Kuenzel LLP since 2009, having previously clerked there beginning in 2005.  In addition to his law degree from Saint Louis University, he also received an MBA from Saint Louis University in 2010.  He attended the University of Missouri-Columbia for his undergraduate degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Finance and Banking in 2005.
Outside of work, Steve is a member of the Franklin County Bar Association, American Bar Association, Washington Elks, Rotary, Knights of Columbus, and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.  He was a recipient of the Outstanding Young Professional Award, class of 2015.  Steve is also involved in a variety real estate projects and developments throughout the county.  He is married to Colleen M. Kuenzel, who he met in law school and who also received her law degree from Saint Louis University.  They currently reside in Washington with their four daughters, Bailey, Darcy, Samantha, and Rory.
​

Picture
Carrie Maune has been a resident of Franklin County most of her life.  She grew up in Union and earned a degree in chemistry and biology from University of Central Missouri.  Carrie worked at Romer Labs in Union for 12 years before starting Trilogy Analytical Laboratory with two business partners in 1999.  Trilogy is an analytical chemistry laboratory focused on food and feed safety.  In 2015, Carrie sold her shares in Trilogy, but remains as a Vice President, working in several areas of the company.
Carrie and her husband, Mick, live just outside of Washington, close to Campbellton.  They have been married for 38 years and have enjoyed the many benefits of living in this community and have found it to be a wonderful place to raise their family.   Carrie and Mick have two children - a 27-year old son and a 21-year old daughter.
Carrie is a member of New Life Church in Washington and is active on the Elder Team and Outreach Team.  She has volunteered for a number of groups/events, including Washington FFA, Sheltered Reality Drumming group, marching band functions, and more.  At Trilogy she has worked with East Central College, Washington High School,, and Four Rivers Career Center on Industry-specific projects and education events.  She has also served on the Biotechnology Steering Committee at ECC and the advisory committee for the FRCC health and science groups.
​

Picture
Tricia (Mohesky) Piontek was born and raised in Washington, Missouri and attended St. Francis Borgia Regional High School.   She and her husband, Allan, live in Washington and have five children.   Jackson (19), Samuel (22), and Sydney (23) are currently completing or have just completed their college careers and are well on their way to putting their stamp on the community; Holly Wunderlich (35) and Nicole Brueggenjohann (36) are both married with families of their own, working on their own successes locally.
 Tricia has risen to the position of Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Brands Division at The Magnet Group.  She began her career as a Customer Service Rep at TMG in 2002 after time as a legal secretary, assistant to an Investment Rep, and physician's office assistant.
Tricia has served on the Our Lady of Lourdes School Board and volunteered for the planning of school auctions, parish breakfasts and dinners.  She helped with many fundraisers for the Washington Junior ROTC Booster Club, helping grow a successful organization.  Giving back to the local community was a priority for her family growing up and a characteristic she and her husband continue to instill in their children.  As a family, they volunteer for local Knights of Columbus events and are members of the American Legion Post 218.  Supporting local events and activities, such as the Annual Relay for Life, Farmers' Market, Sunset on the Riverfront, and Art and Wine Festival, and supporting local organizations such as the United Way and March of Dimes are important the Piontek family, helping to maintain the small town they love so much and giving back to anyone in need.   The Chamber of Commerce seems to be a natural next step and Tricia truly appreciates the opportunity and consideration for this role. 
​

Picture
​Kevin Richardson is a named partner and attorney at law firm of Zick, Voss, Politte & Richardson, P.C., located in downtown Washington, where he has worked since 2003.  He graduated with Honors from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History.  He received his Juris Doctorate from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis. Kevin has been a board member of the Franklin County Area United Way, serving as both the Campaign Chair and President of the Board of Directors, has been the President of the 20th Judicial Circuit Bar Association, was named to the Washington Outstanding Young Professionals Class of 2013, has been a member of the TEMCO, Inc., Board of Directors, and has served on the Parish Finance Committee at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.  Kevin enjoys playing golf, attending his children’s numerous activities, and following Notre Dame sports.  He is married to Sarah and they have two children, Audrey and Will.

Ballots were mailed to members on Friday, November 13
​and are due back to the Chamber Office by December 1.
<<Previous

    More from the Blog...

    All
    Ask The Expert
    Chamber Events
    Franklin Co Bicentennial
    Insight Magazine
    Member Events
    Member Features
    Member News
    Member Resources
    News
    Ribbon Cuttings
    Seminars
    Young Professionals

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016

    RSS Feed

​BUSINESS DIRECTORY​

​Advertising & Media
Agriculture
Arts, Culture, Entertainment
Automotive
Business & Professional Services
​Computers & Technology
​Construction & Contractors​
Education
Event Planning
Family, Community, & Civic Organizations​
Finance & Insurance
Government
Healthcare
Home & Garden
Legal​
Lodging & Travel
​Manufacturing & Production​​
​Personal Services & Care
Pets & Veterinary
Real Estate, Moving, & Storage
Religious Organizations
Restaurants, Food & Beverage​
​

Shopping & Specialty Retail
Sports & Recreation
Transportation
Utilities
Welding & Machinery

COMMUNITY ​EVENTS

Community Calendar
​Music at the Market
Olde Fashioned Christmas
Pumpkin  Palooza
Cajun Festival
Ladies' Golf Day

NETWORKING ​EVENTS

Annual Banquet
Business Breakfast
​Member Luncheon
Summer Mixer
​Winter Mixer

MEMBERSHIP

Join the Chamber
Benefits of Membership
Sponsorship Opportunities
Business Resources
Awards
​Get Involved
​School-Business Partnership
​​Young Professionals

NEWS

Our Blog
Member News
Job Openings

​​MEMBER LOG-IN

© 2018 Washington Area Chamber of Commerce