• Hours:  Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 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
      • Submit an Event
    • Annual Banquet
    • Business Breakfast
    • Cajun Festival
    • Government Forum
    • Golf Tourney
    • Member Luncheon
    • Music at the Market
    • Olde Fashioned Christmas
    • Pumpkin Palooza
    • Pumpkin Palooza (schedule)
      • Candy Crawl
    • Summer Mixer
    • Winter Mixer
  • Programs
    • Awards
    • Centennial Celebration
    • Education Series
    • Young Professionals
      • Fake Paddy's Day Pub Crawl
  • Benefits
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    • Ribbon Cuttings
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  • NEWS
    • Our Blog
  • DIRECTORY
  • LIVE IN WASHMO
  • About Us
  • EVENTS
    • Community Calendar
      • Submit an Event
    • Annual Banquet
    • Business Breakfast
    • Cajun Festival
    • Government Forum
    • Golf Tourney
    • Member Luncheon
    • Music at the Market
    • Olde Fashioned Christmas
    • Pumpkin Palooza
    • Pumpkin Palooza (schedule)
      • Candy Crawl
    • Summer Mixer
    • Winter Mixer
  • Programs
    • Awards
    • Centennial Celebration
    • Education Series
    • Young Professionals
      • Fake Paddy's Day Pub Crawl
  • Benefits
    • Benefits of Membership
    • Join Now!
    • Board Room Rental
    • MEWA Insurance
    • Ribbon Cuttings
    • Sponsorship
    • Business Resources
  • NEWS
    • Our Blog
  • DIRECTORY
  • LIVE IN WASHMO

Chamber Board of Directors Endorses School District of Washington's Prop S

2/28/2019

 
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.
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MO Dept. of Labor SHARP Program Info

2/28/2019

 
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Washington's Community & Economic Development Director, Sal Maniaci wants members to be aware of the Missouri Department of Labor’s SHARP (Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program) Certification.
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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.

Board Room Available to Rent for Members and Community

2/25/2019

 
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The Chamber of Commerce board room was recently renovated and is available for use by members and the community.  The room holds 25-35 people with tables, and approximately 50 with chairs only.  A 60" plasma screen is in place for viewing your presentation.  Your labtop can be connected to the screen via HDMI and the room is equipped with wireless internet access.  The room is free to members for use up to four (4) times per year.  Beginning with the fifth rental, a charge of $50 applies.  A $50 security deposit is required, but will be refunded after inspection of the facility following the rental. 

Non-members are welcome to use the room at a rate of $100/day.  A $50 security deposit is required, but will be refunded after inspection of the facility following the rental.  
If you would like to utilize our board room for a meeting or event, please contact Brittany (636-239-2715 x100).  

​Rental Agreement (Chamber Members)              Rental Agreement (Community/Non-Member)

2019 Banquet Info

2/19/2019

 
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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.

2019 Banquet Entertainment - Buzz Sutherland

2/16/2019

 
About Buzz
Buzz Sutherland is a man whose smooth blend of home spun characters and outrageous facial expressions keep audiences rolling with laughter. Besides performing in major comedy clubs across the country, Buzz has opened for many big name acts and has appeared on HBO's "Comic Relief," MTV's "Half Hour Comedy Hour" and as the host of Disney/KPLR's "Kids Connection."  Buzz's style of comedy is contagious as he plays with the audience rather than talking to them.  He is sincerely and seriously committed to entertain audiences with humor that is "98% clean and 100% funny."
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“It’s All About Family”
What is the key to personal and professional success? Quite simply, it's family! If we all take the skills and knowledge we get from growing up in a family, then we have more of a head start to success than you would ever imagine. Treat each person in a work day with the same attention, eye contact, and focus you would a family member and watch what this simple change does to empower your communication abilities and your own self-confidence.
Whether listening to the brilliantly simple observations of his eight-year-old daughter, learning to think outside the box from his four-year-old son, or the simple art of patience he's learned from his wife, professional speaker Buzz Sutherland will take you on a hysterical journey into how we can all improve our day-to-day experiences. Because when it comes to success in your personal or professional life...It's All About Family.

Buzz will be our featured speaker at the Chamber Banquet - Saturday, March 16, 2019.  More details here!
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MO Dept. of Labor Presentation at Business Breakfast

2/6/2019

 
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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.

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FREE Export Seminar @ City Hall Feb. 12

2/6/2019

 
Missouri receives federal grant to help small businesses engage in exporting!
The U.S. Small Business Administration awarded the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) monies through its STEP program to help small businesses enter and succeed in the international marketplace. Missouri will use STEP award funds to support eligible small business concerns to expand sector specific exports to key markets as well as to support their efforts through additional marketing activities.
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Join us in Washington, Missouri for a free one hour information session to learn more about the MO STEP-UP program and get your goods on the map today!

City of Washington, City Hall Council Chambers
405 Jefferson Street, Washington, MO
Tuesday, February 12 at 10:00 am
​
Please RSVP to:
Ruth Tucker, ruth.tucker@ded.mo.gov, 573-526-4967 ​

​The Missouri International Trade & Investment Office would like to thank our community partners listed below for assisting in hosting the MO STEP-UP announcements.
  • World Trade Center of St. Louis
  • Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Small Business Development Center, State Fair Technical College
  • Meramec Regional Chamber
  • Independence Chamber of Commerce
  • City of Washington
  • Economic Development Center of St. Charles
  • Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce
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Time To Spruce Up Your Member Listing!

2/5/2019

 
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.

Your account should list:
  • Website
  • Facebook Page
  • About Us
  • Hours of Operation
  • Categories (at top of listing)

We also STRONGLY recommend:
  • ​Logo
  • Images
  • ​YouTube Video Link
This is also a great time to review the representatives listed for your company/organization.

*There is no limit to the number of representatives you can list.  All representatives receive our update e-mails, but mailed correspondence will still be delivered only to the Primary Representative on the account.

​Please add as many representatives as you would like, or ask interested employees to e-mail Amanda to be added to our list!

Don't have (or don't remember!) your username and password?  No problem!  E-mail Amanda for a reminder or to have a new account created!
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Young Professionals Pub Crawl

2/5/2019

 
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The First Annual Fake Paddy's Day Pub Crawl is coming!   The event is the first fundraiser for the YP group.  Proceeds will help fund Professional Development opportunities for the network, as well as marketing efforts showcasing our community in an attempt to attract other young professionals to our area.

Event Details
Date:  Saturday, March 9
Cost:  $20/person
Register Now @ Eventbrite!  
(Must register by Feb. 24 to be guaranteed a shirt)



Participants WEARING their Pub Crawl t-shirt the day of the pub crawl will be eligible for drink specials.

PUBS & SPECIALS:
  • The Creek Grill & Sports Bar
  • Driftwood - $1 pints of draft beer (possibly GREEN!), $2 fruit sangria, $2 pub pretzels, half price wings
  • Elijah McLean's
  • John G's Bier Deck - $1 off draft beer & wine
  • John G's Tap Room - $1 off draft beer & wine
  • KC Hall Lounge - $2 Beer and Wells
  • Marquart's Landing
  • Old Dutch Tavern
  • Otis Campbell's
  • The Sand Bar - $2.25 beer


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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​Want to be more involved with the YPs?

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Government Forum is Feb. 15

2/5/2019

 
The annual Government Forum will be held Friday, February 15 at the YMCA (400 Grand Ave, Washington). 

Lunch from Miller's Grill will be available at 11:30 a.m. and the forum will begin promptly at Noon.
Each official will be given time for a brief introduction, and then questions can be submitted by the audience.

This event is open to the public!

Cost:  $12/person (includes lunch)
RSVP:  Cheryl (239-2715x102)  or REGISTER ONLINE!

Share our Facebook Event!



Special thanks to our sponsors for the event:  
  • Altemueller Jewelry
  • Bank of Franklin County
  • Bank of Washington
  • Citizens Bank
  • ​Deppe Farms
  • Eric Park & George Meyer - LPL Financial
  • Our Urgent Care
  • USA Mortgage
And to the YMCA for donating their facility!

​The following officials and staff members have confirmed their attendance at our event:
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  • From the Office of US Senator Roy Blunt - Jennifer Hoskins
  • From the Office of US Senator Josh Hawley - Sam Saffa
  • From the Office of Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer - Jim Nichols

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OUR MISSION: 
The Chamber brings businesses together to provide leadership in supporting services and programs that enhance the economic and educational opportunities to improve the quality of life for all.
​
OUR VISION:
​
Connecting businesses to build a better community.
OUR VALUE FOCUS:
​
Strengthening Business, Bettering the Local Economic Climate, Enhancing the Quality of Life, Promoting Growth

COMMUNITY ​EVENTS

Community Calendar
    **Submit an event!
​Music at the Market
Olde Fashioned Christmas
Pumpkin  Palooza
Cajun Festival
Golf Tourney

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
Connect Washington Partnership
​​Young Professionals

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