Many businesses of all shapes and sizes struggle with the same question: What an employee does on their own time is their business, so when does substance use become my responsibility as an employer?

The short answer is that an employee's substance use becomes an employer's concern when it begins to affect workplace safety, job performance, conduct, or the well-being of others.

Employers are not responsible for diagnosing addiction, providing treatment, or monitoring employees' personal lives. However, they are responsible for maintaining a safe and productive workplace. If an employee appears impaired at work and poses a safety risk to themselves, coworkers, customers, or the public, the employer generally cannot ignore the situation. Workplace safety will look different for each organization, but when it comes to substance use, ignoring the issue can expose the employee and business to significant risk.

Substance use will inevitably affect job performance. What may start as a minor productivity issue can escalate into tardiness or significant problems. Here are some examples of workplace performance issues you might encounter:

• Frequent absences or tardiness
• Declining work quality or productivity
• Safety violations or accidents
• Impaired judgment or decision-making
• Conflicts with coworkers or customers
• Unusual behavior that affects workplace operations

In these scenarios, employers should focus on observable facts rather than assumptions. Managers do not need to determine whether someone is addicted. Instead, they should address performance, behavior, or safety concerns showing up in the workplace.
This can be particularly challenging for small businesses. When you work closely with employees, it is natural to want to give someone "just one more chance," or work with the devil you know instead of the devil you don’t. In larger organizations, formal policies and HR departments often provide guidance and structure. Regardless of company
size, however, the principles remain the same: address concerns consistently, document what you observe, and follow established policies.

A common misconception is that employers must choose between accountability and compassion. In reality, the most effective approach often includes both. Employers can hold employees accountable for meeting workplace expectations while also providing information on treatment, employee assistance programs, and community resources.
The most compassionate action is to hold boundaries that guide employees toward the help they need and support them when they return to work.

From a business perspective, early intervention matters. Ignoring concerns can lead to increased safety risks, lower team morale, reduced productivity, and higher turnover. Addressing issues promptly may not only protect the workplace but also give an employee an opportunity to seek help before they suffer grave consequences and the
company incurs significant liability.

Ultimately, an employee's substance use becomes an employer's responsibility when it affects the workplace. At that point, the employer's role is not to diagnose or treat the problem, but to ensure safety, address performance concerns, enforce policies fairly, and connect employees with resources and support when appropriate.

In today's workforce, community leaders who understand this balance are often better positioned to protect businesses, support employees, and promote retention of valuable team members. Learn to Live Clinical Services is here to support business and community leaders as they grow their knowledge and understanding of substance use
and recovery. 

Tyler Anderson
I was born and raised in Washington, MO and feel extremely lucky to have been.  After attending Missouri State University, I briefly moved to St. Louis but once I met my wife Kelsey, I knew I wanted to move back to Washington to start a family.  Currently my two daughter, Lola and Lennon attend St Francis Borgia Grade School like I did. 
This community was a major part of shaping the person I am.  I have met so many great people and friends here and was taught from an early age by my parents that volunteering and giving back was a way of life.  I am currently a AVP and loan officer with Citizens Bank in town and love helping small business and individuals achieve their goals through my job.  I recently just finished a 3-year term on the board at Franklin County Country Club where I served as the VP of the board. 
In my spare time I love to golf, hunt and fish.  I enjoy these activities because they can be done by all ages and let me enjoy time with my family outdoors.  ​

Jeff Holtmeier
I was born and raised in Washington. I attended St. Francis Borgia Grade School and High School and then graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.
 After college I moved to St. Louis and into the finance industry starting at Edward Jones. I moved back to Washington with my wife Jamie in 2013. I’ve been in the finance industry for over a decade, helping people and businesses reach their financial goals.
 In 2022 my partners and I moved our practice to the independent channel and opened our own firm. I am proud to be a Partner at Finteris Wealth Management, a local wealth management firm, located on 5th Street next to the Elks. The move from W-2 employee to small business owner has had its challenges but has also been very rewarding.
 I’ve sat on several boards including Franklin County Area United Way, Elijah’s Limited, Downtown Washington, Washington Public Library, and Washington Senior Citizen Housing Development Corporation, among others.  I have been a member of the Elks, St. Francis Borgia Athletic Association, the Knights of Columbus, Jaycees, and St. Francis Borgia Parish. I spend my free time with my family. My daughters Penny (8) and Violet (5) are very active and keep me busy. I enjoy sports, golfing, boating, and various outdoor activities.
 I have always been a fan of the Chamber of Commerce and the work they do in the business community.  I believe our town has a unique sense of comradery.  I think that is, in no small part, due to the feeling of pride local businesses and groups, like the Chamber, instill in our community. I would be proud to be a member of the Chamber Board.  

​Jeb Maciejewski
Jeb has been a proud resident of Washington, Missouri for the past 20 years. With over two decades of experience in the insurance industry, he currently serves as Vice President and Producer at First State Insurance Agency, where he leads with integrity, expertise, and a deep commitment to his clients.
Jeb is also a dedicated community leader, actively involved in committees and volunteerism at Our Lady of Lourdes and Borgia. He has served as a former officer of the Washington Elks Lodge and was the president of the Eureka, MO BNI chapter,  and various other committees, reflecting his passion for service and local engagement.
In addition to his insurance career, Jeb owns and operates a thriving real estate portfolio company, managing numerous properties throughout Washington and the surrounding areas.  We are currently excited about our newest project, the Miller Press building on 4th street and helping to contribute to the revitalization of downtown Washington as we restore and revitalize this building to bring in new residential and commercial clients to Washington.  The gem of this project is restoring the old neon sign that has hung dormant for years on the exterior of the building. 
Family is at the heart of Jeb’s life. He and his wife—who serves as the math curriculum coordinator for the Washington School District—have been married for 19 years and are proud parents of two children: Kyan, a sophomore at the University of Missouri studying electrical engineering, and Ria, a sophomore at Borgia High School.
Outside of work, Jeb enjoys the outdoors, golfing, hiking, and spending quality time with his family.

Marie Moore
Marie Moore became president of Mercy Washington and Lincoln communities in March 2025. She has already made a significant impact as the local president for the two hospitals, which have a combined 165 hospital beds, nearly 60,000 annual ER visits and more than 275,000 annual outpatient visits. The combined service area reaches approximately 10 surrounding counties.
In her first six months, she gained over $3 million support from Mercy to improve HVAC, roofs and other immediate infrastructure needs. She quickly initiated the development of a comprehensive community strategic plan with her leadership team, aiming to unite and strengthen relationships and access across the region. The Washington team has driven an increase in hospital revenue year over year, supplemented by additional growth in clinic and specialty services.
Leadership and Vision - Marie arrived with a clear vision and understanding of needs in Washington and hit the ground running last spring, immediately prioritizing infrastructure improvements to address the communities' most pressing concerns.
In her tenure as Mercy community president, Marie’s proactive approach is already shaping the future of Mercy Washington and Lincoln communities. She is dedicated to addressing immediate needs while fostering a strategic, trust-based vision for long-term growth –a commitment to both practical solutions and meaningful relationships. Marie’s leadership style is characterized by openness, collaboration and an unwavering focus on the well-being of the community.
Background and Personal Life - Marie hails from southwest Missouri and relocated to the area with her husband and three children, embracing the opportunity to become an integral part of the community. Outside of her professional role, Marie is passionate about spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, exploring nature or simply enjoying fresh air with her friends and family. Much of her free time is devoted to supporting her children’s activities, cheering them on during their sporting events and dance performances.

Stacy Schiermeier
I was born and raised in Washington and graduated from Washington High School in 1987.  I then attended Missouri State or Southwest Missouri State when I was there and graduated with an Accounting degree in 1991.  After graduation I moved back to Washington and started my career with Hochschild, Bloom and Co as a staff accountant.  In 1993 I took a job at The Magnet Group and moved  into financial analysis role.  In 1999 I moved to Pauwels Transformers, Inc, which became CG Transformers USA in 2002 and then in 2017 we became WEG Transformers USA.  I have been the Finance Manager since 2004 and had the opportunity to work with the City of Washington and the State of Missouri for 4 major expansions since 2006. 
I am married to my high school sweetheart Cindy for 35 years. We have three children, Brandon, Ashley and Kellen.  We are also blessed to have 5 grandchildren Maisy, Alexis, Layton, Brody and Lincoln.
 
Over the years I have coached my kids and now grandkids in baseball, softball, basketball and football.  I have been a youth football coach for 25 years.  I have also been on the United Way Board, OLL Finance Committee, President of the Washington High School Athletic Association for 15 years, Treasurer of the Washington Junior Football League and President of the Washington Jr Jays Football Organization.

Pam Tholen
​Pam has served as the Principal of St. Francis Borgia High School for the past nine years. Born and raised in Washington, she feels grateful to be part of a community that truly values service and connection. Pam and her family are active members of St. Francis Borgia Grade School and Parish. When she’s not cheering on her kids or students, she enjoys traveling, reading, and going for walks around town. Her favorite WashMO activity is riding the tilt-a-whirl and eating ALL the food at the fair!
 

Washington, Mo. — WEG, a leading global producer of transformers, announced today that it will expand in Washington, investing $77 million and creating 50 new jobs. The company’s expansion will provide additional capacity for its Utility and Clean Energy customers to support growing energy demands.

“We’re proud to see yet another innovative manufacturer like WEG continuing to grow in Missouri,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “This company’s success in Washington is the latest example of our state’s ability to support leading employers. WEG’s investment in Washington is an exciting development that’s sure to benefit the community for years to come.”

“This expansion and modernization of this particular business is a major investment by WEG to provide our customers and our team members the capacity and facilities to succeed in today’s market,” said Phillip James, Vice President of WEG Transformers USA. “Not only are we creating 50 new jobs in Washington, but we are developing the type of business needed to compete in a global market. WEG is thrilled to be a part of the Washington community, and we look forward to continued growth and success in our business here.”

“WEG’s ongoing success in Washington is providing new investment, more jobs, and greater opportunities,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “We’re grateful for this company’s decision to grow locally as it continues to thrive and help Missourians prosper.”
New jobs added as part of WEG’s expansion will pay an average wage well above the county average.
For this expansion, WEG will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.

What others are saying
“We are absolutely thrilled about WEG Transformers’ expansion,” said Aaron Griesheimer, Economic Development Director for the City of Washington. “This investment not only brings high-quality jobs to our community, but also strengthens our local economy and showcases Washington as a place where businesses can grow and thrive.”

About WEG
WEG was Founded in 1961, by Werner Ricardo Voigt, Eggon Joao da Silva and Geraldo Werninghaus in the city of Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil. WEG operates mainly in the sector of capital goods and is one of the largest world manufacturers of electric-electronic equipment, having five main businesses: Motors, Energy, Transmission and Distribution, Automation and Coatings. WEG has manufacturing units in 12 countries and is present in more than 100 countries, servicing all industrial segments, including oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, steel, pulp and paper, renewable energy, among many others.
To learn more about WEG, visit weg.us.

About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.

About the Missouri Works Program
As the state’s number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.