2025 Banquet Recap

The Annual Banquet was held Saturday, March 22 at the Knights of Columbus Hall.  The evening included a meal from Big Boys and live music from Savana. 

We also welcomed guest speaker Kara Corches, President and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

​Sandy Lucy was awarded the Washingtonian award from The Missourian, and reports were given by Chamber Chairman Tanya McCormack and Fair Chairman Josh Wehmeyer. 

We recognized members celebrating 25-, 30-, and 40-year membership anniversaries, and welcomed Hellebusch Tool & Die, Optimist Club of Washington, Sydenstricker - Nobbe Partners, US Bank, and Washington Lions Club into our Chairman's Circle for 50 years of membership.

Chamber Report from Tanya McCormack, 2025 Chairman​

On behalf of our board of directors and staff, I’d like to take a moment to thank you all for your support, through membership, sponsorship, and participation in our events.  Chamber membership is an investment in our community, and in your business, and we recognize that the good work we are able to accomplish in the community starts with our members.  As a Chamber, our 4-part value focus is to Strengthen Business, Better the Local Economic Climate, Enhance the Quality of Life, and Promote Growth…  Basically, we’re here to lead, support, and/or cheer for all that makes Washington a wonderful place to live, work, and play, and luckily for us, there’s no shortage of things to love about Washington!  This year, we’re specifically looking for ways to be more supportive to our businesses.  We’ve added the Share & Sip Quarterly Networking series (the next one is April 16 and an afternoon happy hour).
Because of your support, these are just a few things our Chamber has been able to help with since we last met:

• Helping fund the Main stage roof and other Capital improvements at the fairgrounds
• Adding new signs to the Oldenburg Industrial Park
• Partnering with Downtown Washington and the City of Washington for various committees and improvements
• Supporting local organizations- such as the United Way, as well as collaborating with the School District of Washington for both Connect Washington and the Soar into Stem programs

One improvement that we are most excited about is the development of awards to be presented at next year’s banquet.  The nomination process is still being finalized, but I’m thrilled to announce we will present the following new awards, highlighting the best of the Chamber’s three divisions:

• Business of the Year
• Business Leader of the Year
• Fair Organization of the Year
• Fair Volunteer of the Year
• And a Tourism Excellence Award

We will also present our Outstanding Young Professionals, Class of 2026.
As information is available, it will be published on our website, and shared with members through our update e-mails, so keep an eye out for more details.  It’s been an honor to serve on the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize the rest of our Board.  Members are listed in the program, but I’d like to ask those in attendance to stand now.

• Kevin Richardson, Zick, Voss, Politte, Richardson, & Brinker P.C.
• Tricia Piontek, The Magnet Group
• Dr. Jennifer Kephart, School District of Washington
• Luke Meyer, Citizens Bank
• Steve Strubberg, Horn Architects
• Josh Brinker, Bank of Franklin County
• Nicole Desmond, Deppe Farms
• Brian Feltmann, Modern Auto Co.
• Don Grahl, The Creek Grill & Sports Bar
• Bill Hellebusch
• Becky Huddleston, Office Supplies & Equipment
• Scott Mentz, Mentz Foundations
• Tim Tobben, Bank of Washington
• Shelley Vollmer, Wimpy's Sandwich Shop
• Joe Leesmann, Past Fair Chairman

As we work to build a better Washington, and a better Chamber, we welcome your feedback and appreciate your support.  Thank you again for your time this evening.  I’ll bring up Jennifer now so we can recognize businesses and organizations that have celebrated milestone membership anniversaries with us in the past year.

Fair Report from Josh Wehmeyer, 2025 Chairman

Good evening, everyone
My name is Josh Wehmeyer, and I have the honor and privilege of serving as the 2025 Washington Town and Country Fair Chairman.  Preparations for this year’s fair are well on their way and we are excited to celebrate with all of you this year.  However, none of this would be possible without the help and dedication of so many wonderful people and organizations.
First, I would like to thank my wife, Jackie, for all her support and holding down the fort.  Without her I would not be able to do what I do. 
I want to take a moment and introduce to you this year’s Fair Board

• Chad Alferman
• Michelle Behr
• Steve Bleckman
• Sam Boland
• Kim Bratton
• Anthony Carey
• Taylor Goodale
• Joe Groppe
• Ed Guehne
• Doug Hoberock
• Dale Holdmeier
• Sally Kleekamp
• Matt Kopp
• Justin Leesmann
• Ann Loesing
• Mike Lupardus
• Alex Meyer
• Caleb Phelps
• Eric Rehmeier
• Sam Unerstall
• Terry Williams

Last Year’s Chairman Mr. Joe Leesmann and my Co-Chair, Mrs. Stephanie McKenzie
I also want to extend thanks to our sponsors. Your generosity and support help make all of this possible. Your commitment to our community and this event is truly inspiring, and we are so grateful for your partnership.  Some of those sponsors are listed in tonight’s program for their support of the queens.  If you are interested in being a queen sponsor, please visit the link in the program. 
A huge thank you to our volunteers! Your time, energy, and dedication help ensure everything runs smoothly and that everyone has a great time. We couldn’t do it without you, and we appreciate each and every one of you for giving your time and talents to make this fair a success.
And to our first responders, thank you for your tireless work.  You work year-round with us ensuring the safety and well-being of all our fairgoers.  We are so fortunate to have such dedicated professionals in our community, and we are grateful for your service.
We are very excited about our main stage entertainment.  This year we will be under the brand-new roof. This major upgrade is a testament to the ongoing support of so many, but especially our city and the Chamber of Commerce. Without their leadership and support, this would not have been possible. So, thank you for making this all happen!

• Wednesday: Our Queen contest
• Thursday: ZZ Top
• Friday: I love the 90s with Rob Base, C&C Music Factory, Young MC, and Vanilla Ice!
• Saturday: Ashley Cooke opening up for Dustin Lynch.
• Sunday: We’ll wrap it all up with Jackson Dean.

Our Motor Sports area is going to be packed with excitement as well:

• Wednesday: we have the rodeo and bull riding competition.
• Thursday: Monster Trucks, featuring Big Foot
• Friday and Saturday: truck and tractor pulls.
• Sunday: MotoCross.

We continue to try to add value to our fair.  This year we are expanding our fairgrounds to the west with more attractions and we are introducing a rabbit and chicken show on Sunday in the livestock area.
And finally, I’m excited to announce our Chairman’s event this year featuring the Dominguez Family Circus. The show includes a dog act, previously seen on America’s Got Talent, the globe of death which is an extremely fast motorcycle act and more.  It’s going to be a show you won’t want to miss!
Tickets are available now at washmofair.com, and we encourage you to grab yours today!
So please, mark your calendars, tell your friends, and come join us from August 6-10 for what promises to be an unforgettable Summer’s Homecoming.