Today, after a brief presentation by representatives from Citizens for Great Schools, the Chamber Board of Directors voted to endorse Prop S, which will be on the April 2 ballot.  Proposition S is a zero tax-rate increase bond issue designed to improve safety and the school environment for students. Prop S will provide approximately $26 million to construct a new elementary school as well as safety vestibule construction and other related improvements district-wide.  More information on Prop S can be found on the School District of Washington website.

Free On-Site Safety and Health Consultations are provided to businesses at their request. Businesses that participate in the Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program may be eligible to become a SHARP member. SHARP members have lower workers’ compensation insurance premiums and are exempt from Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspections for a period of time.
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In federal fiscal year 2018, the safety program corrected conditions at participating businesses that could have resulted in more than $12 million in OSHA fines. In addition, 3,701 workplace hazards were remedied.

For more information about SHARP or to request a free safety and health consultation, visit safeatwork.mo.gov or call 573-522-SAFE.  Members are also encouraged to speak with Sal to learn more.

The Washington Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet will be held Saturday, March 16 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Washington.  The evening features drinks, dinner, a short program, and keynote presentation from a motivational speaker/comedian.  The business program includes a short update from the Chairman of the Chamber Board, Dave Politte, followed by the premiere of the Fair promotional video and update from Fair Chairman, Jason Unnerstall.  The Missourian will also present the “Washingtonian” award.
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Last year, the Chamber changed gears with the entertainment at the annual banquet, booking a motivational speaker/comedian in place of a band.  Chamber President Jennifer Giesike commented, “We were really pleased the with change.  It was great to see people sticking around longer and enjoying each other’s company.  In the past, we would see attendees leave shortly after the band started.  It was too loud for a conversation, and if people didn’t want to dance, they would leave.” 

This year, banquet attendees will enjoy “It’s All About Family,” from 16-time Comedian of the Year Buzz Sutherland.

Tickets/Reservations
Tickets to the March 16 banquet are $50 each.  Please RSVP to Cheryl (cquennoz@washmo.org, 636-239-2715 x102) as soon as possible to choose your seat.  Cocktails are served at 6:00 p.m. with dinner at 7:00 p.m.  More details, including Table Layout, sponsor list, and more are available on the event page.

We were excited to welcome Delores (Dee) Rose, from the Missouri Department of Labor, Division of Employment Security, to speak to the attendees at our Business Breakfast Meeting on January 10.  She spoke mainly on the Shared Work program, an alternative to laying off employees.  She also provided information on the Shared Work Program and an Economic Resource Guide to everyone in attendance.  A digital copy of the publications can be accessed by clicking the images below.

Have you reviewed your account info with the Chamber lately?

We're on a mission to get our records updated with members' website, social accounts, and more!  To see how your account looks, visit our Member Directory and search for your business.

T-shirts can be picked up after Tuesday, March 4th at the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce. We are open 9am - 5 pm. Please give us a call or email Brittany if you are unable to get your shirt in advance.
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