• Hours:  Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
WASHINGTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
  • 323 W Main Street
    Washington, MO  63090
  • (636) 239-2715
  • [email protected]
  • aBOUT uS
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    • Annual Banquet
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    • Music at the Market
    • Olde Fashioned Christmas
    • Pumpkin Palooza
    • Santa on Amtrak
    • Summer Mixer
    • Business Resource Fair
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  • NEWS
    • Our Blog
  • DIRECTORY
  • LIVE IN WASHMO
  • Sponsors
  • About Us
    • Our Chamber & Community
    • Our Team
    • Job Openings
  • EVENTS
    • Community Calendar
      • Submit an Event
    • Annual Banquet
    • Business Breakfast
    • Cajun Night
    • Casino Night
    • Government Forum
    • Fake Paddy's Day Pub Crawl
    • Golf Tourney
    • Music at the Market
    • Olde Fashioned Christmas
    • Pumpkin Palooza
    • Santa on Amtrak
    • Summer Mixer
    • Business Resource Fair
  • Programs
    • Awards
    • Education Series
    • Connect Washington
    • Share & Sip
    • Soar into STEM
    • Young Professionals
  • Benefits
    • Benefits of Membership
    • Join Now!
    • Board Room Rental
    • MEWA Insurance
    • Ribbon Cuttings
    • Sponsorship
    • Business Resources
  • NEWS
    • Our Blog
  • DIRECTORY
  • LIVE IN WASHMO
  • Sponsors

2025 Banquet Recap

4/3/2025

 
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.

2024 Year In Review

2/5/2025

 
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Celebrating New Members & 5-Year Anniversaries at the Business Breakfast!

1/21/2025

 
We recognized members that celebrated their five-year membership anniversary in 2024.​
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​Pictured are Jennifer Giesike (Chamber President), Nick Risch and Jennifer Risch (DMR Events), Gabby Moore (Advanced Plumbing Systems, LLC), David Raegan (Corneke Holdings, LLC/ServPro of Franklin County), Tanya McCormack (2025 Chamber Chairman), and Steve Strubberg (2024 Chamber Chairman).
  • ​​A Way Storage
  • Advanced Plumbing Systems, LLC
  • Bierbaum Farms, Inc.
  • Calming Touch
  • Corneke Holdings, LLC / Servpro of Franklin County
  • CrossFit Washington
  • DMR Events
  •  First Choice Facilities
  • ​​FKI Cleaning Service, LLC
  • Franklin County Animal Medical Center
  • ​Gall Defense Security Solutions
  • Homestead Veterinary Hospital
  • Hope Ranch of Missouri
  • J.D.’s Heating & Cooling Service, LLC
  • Jasper Builders
  • ​Little Smiles of Washington
  • OxFest Charities, Inc.
  • Patriot Towing
  • Quality Coach
  • Simply Natural
  • Tilted Skillet
  • Wimpy’s

​We also recognized new members that joined the Chamber in 2024.
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Pictured are:  Front Row - David Kellough (Chase), Morgan Hagedorn (Cedar Ridge Financial), Cindy Day (Havin Red E Mix LLC), Mike Christie (State Farm Insurance), Wendy Woodland (Cooperative Home Care), Dave Mundwiller (Mundwiller Electric).  Second Row - Jennifer Giesike (Chamber President), Karen Herrera (J & K Beauty Studio, LLC), John Gross (Driving Change, Inc.), Danielle Atchison and Amy Kopp (Title Partners Agency, LLC), Tanya McCormack (2025 Chamber Chairman).  Back Row - CJ Satterfield (Jimmy John's), Nick Boyd (Tax Favored Benefits), Charles Bailey (Chase), Tricia Lauer (Franklin County Forward), David Ulrich (Sassafras - the Alane Antoine Foundation), Troy Merseal (Life's River), Steve Strubberg (2024 Chamber Chairman).
​
Full List of 2024 New Members:
​1869 Draft Room
636co
Agilix Solutions
AMO-Employer Services, Inc.
Asymmetric Solutions
Augusta Winery
BEP Solutions, LLC
Beyond the Horizon ABA
BMI Technologies, LLC
Cedar Ridge Financial, LLC
Chase
Christopher K Moritz DVM, LLC
Citizens for Todd Boland
Cooperative Homecare
Cruise Planners
Custom Finishes of St. Louis, LLC
Driving Change, Inc.
Elijah's Ltd. - A Private Club
Evalyn & Co Marketing
Fantastic Sams
FastOrderHats.Com
First Christian Church
Franklin County Chiropractic PC
Franklin County Dental and Implants
Franklin County Forward
Frisella Nursery
Grit and Grace Children’s Boutique 
HALO Insurance & Benefits Group
Havin Red E Mix, LLC
Hoefel Haus B & B and Bike Hostel
J & K Beauty Studio, LLC
​​Jake's Legacy Resale, LLC
Jenny Mahoney RDN
Jimmy John's
Juice Plus Premier
Liam Schneider Photography
Life Stream Church
Life's River
Lighthouse Dental
Maggie Jane's
Man up/Woman Up
Mantle Heating and Cooling
Meridian Waste
Mundwiller Electric, LLC
Nobletons Distilling House
One Day As A Lion, LLC
Owners Like You
Pfaff CPA, LLC
Piccadilly Palace Entertainment
Premier Casino Rentals
Promotional Consultants
Q&M Carpentry
​​Quackcom
Rawlings Sporting Goods Co., Inc.
Raymond James

RC Roofing
Richard Gentry, Modern Woodmen of America
River City Church Washington
Rolwes Company
RTCCCRINC
Sassafras - the Alane Antoine Foundation
SDS Laser, LLC
Sherwin Williams
Skouby Brothers
Space Age Mediaworks
Special Trust Legal, LLC
State Farm Insurance - Mike Christie, Agent
Stay Wild, LLC
Tax Favored Benefits
The 1944 War Museum
The National Pancreas 
    Foundation
The Sage Bee Prep Academy
The Tipsy Keg
Thermaltech, Inc.
Title Partners Agency, LLC
Tower Loans
TREE Industries, LLC
Tropical Sno Washmo
Universal Medical Resources
White Cap

2025 Chamber Board Nominees

11/15/2024

 
The Washington Area Chamber of Commerce has three Board of Directors position to fill for 2025.  
The following six nominees were selected from a highly qualified field of candidates:  Bill Hellebusch, Jeff Holtmeier, Becky Huddleston, Phillip James, Tim Tobben, and Steve Underwood

Ballots will be mailed to members by November 15 and are due back to the Chamber Office by December 1.
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Bill Hellebusch
As a long-time resident of Washington, MO I have experienced so many of the things that make the Washington Community special.  This community started shaping me at a young age.  Attending local schools (Borgia Grade School and High School) I learned the importance of discipline, hard work, and what it means to be a contributor to society.  At Borgia High School I excelled in course work, was captain of the football team, and met my wife, Ali. 
 After graduating high school in 2004, both Ali and I attended the University of Missouri – Columbia where we pursued careers in healthcare, she as a nurse and me, a physical therapist.  Coming back to our hometown hospital was not only natural, but it was also a no-brainer.  I knew early on that I wanted to live in the great community that helped raise me and I wanted to give back…with my skillset I have found no better place to do that than our local hospital, Mercy which I joined in 2010.  I can happily say that the important lessons I learned in Catholic education were reinforced and expanded upon in Catholic Healthcare.  
In 2013, I was promoted to leadership at Mercy and for the past 11 years have held various leadership roles including my current role as the Executive Director of Operations.  In this role I not only serve as the operations director for Mercy Hospital Washington (MHW) but I also serve as the Chief Executive Officer for Hermann Area District Hospital (HADH) located in Hermann, Missouri.  I have truly found my passion as a leader of rural healthcare hospitals which is an intimate relationship with the community through service and compassion.  In addition, like many hospitals, both MHW and HADH are the largest employer in their respective communities.  As the leader of such organizations, one must learn to be a strategic partner with the community to help develop the workforce of tomorrow, plan for and fulfill community needs, and help shape the future – these are my favorite aspects of my role(s) as I see it as a great way to give back to these communities.  
When not at work I like to be a part of the community and currently serve on the Borgia Advancement Committee, Borgia High School Strategic Planning Committee, the Regional Economic Development Initiative of Hermann, the Hermann Area Chamber of Commerce, and several regional Heath Care Coalitions and Boards.  Prior volunteer work includes the Washington Rotary and the Franklin County Area United Way and I would very much like to help contribute to the Washington Chamber of Commerce Board. 
Ali and I have four Children: Lula (13), James “Jimmy” (12), Naomi (8), and Gabriel (3).  We are members of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish where our kids attend school.  In my spare time I like to take my kids hunting and when Ali and I are not at work we focus on our family and try to keep up with our kids who are involved in sports and 4H projects.  Ali and I live on a small 10-acre market farm nestled in the heart of Washington (right next to Our Lady of Lourdes) and our kids are 6th generation in the house we live in.  Life is good.  😊

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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.  


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Becky Huddleston
Becky is the owner of Office Supplies & Equipment, a business that has been a downtown staple since 1954. She has owned the business for 4 years and loves the one-on-one interaction with customers in a setting that you simply don't see anymore. She says that Washington has a true dedication to shopping locally as she gets to see it on a daily basis. Becky lives "on the other side of the river" near the Concord Hill area. She is married to Gary and enjoys spending time with her 3 children, ages 24, 22 & 20. She will be happy to welcome in her first grandchild in February.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time at Mark Twain Lake, snow skiing and any other outdoor activities.
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Phillip James
Phillip James is the Vice President of WEG Transformers USA in Washington.  He has P&L responsibility for all three WEG factories including Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Strategic Planning and Information Systems.  Phillip has worked at WEG since March 2016 and he has spent his entire 35-year business career in manufacturing with four different companies, in three different states.
Phillip joined WEG Transformers in 2016, one year before the acquisition of the business by WEG and has been instrumental in planning and executing the purchase of the old Melton factory and starting up WEG’s Distribution Transformer business on Bluff Road in that building.  Phillip has also led the WEG team in their recent major expansion of WEG’s Power Transformers business on Avantha Drive, over the past two years.
Phillip and his wife Melissa have been married for 35 years, moved to Washington in 2021 and live in the downtown area.  They have two adult children and one granddaughter.
Phillip and Melissa own Vintage Trader, a vintage and antique business, located in Downtown Washington.  They are active members of Downtown Washington Inc.  Phillip and Melissa are members of First Christian Church (FCC) in Washington.  Phillip is also an active leader at WEG with their annual United Way campaign where WEG has been the 2nd largest contributor to the Franklin County United Way for the past two years.

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Tim Tobben
I grew up in Washington, MO and graduated from St. Francis Borgia Regional High School in 2001. I went on to attend St. Louis University and graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business management with an emphasis in entrepreneurship. Upon graduation, I worked as a commercial credit analyst with Enterprise Bank & Trust in St. Louis, MO for 3 years. In March 2009, I joined the Bank of Washington as a credit review officer. In late 2012, I became a commercial loan officer and currently hold the title of Vice President of Commercial Lending.
 Since January 2020,  I have been a Foundation Board member with Mercy Hospital Washington. I am also currently a board member of the Franklin County Missouri Planning & Zoning Board of Zoning Adjustment. I am also involved currently with the St. Francis Borgia High School Athletic Association as a member of the golf committee. I served on the Franklin County Area United Way Board from 2013-2017 and was the Treasurer from 2013-2016. In the past, I have also served on the Alzheimer's Association committee for the annual walk.
 My wife Jenna and I have been married since October 2012 and have two kids, Megan (9) and Benjamin (6). We are parishioners at Our Lady of Lourdes in Washington.


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Steve Underwood
Steve Underwood graduated with a Finance Degree at Missouri State University, formerly Southwest Missouri State University, in Springfield, MO. 
Upon moving to Washington, MO in 1997, Steve began working at what is now United Mutual Insurance Company, formerly St. Johns Mutual Insurance. 
Steve has served in many trade and professional organizations including several terms on the Missouri Association of Mutual Insurance Company board and currently serves on the Grinnell Mutual Board of Directors, a regional property and casualty insurance provider.  Steve is the incoming President of the Rotary Club of Washington.  Steve holds professional designations including CPCU, ARe and PFMM.  
Steve is married to his wife, Kathy, of 35 yrs.  Steve & Kathy have two children, Amanda & Matthew.  Steve says that raising his family here in the Washington community is one of the best decisions he has made.  The opportunities and friendships this community offers has been a tremendous blessing.

Save these dates for 2025!

9/19/2024

 
Don't miss any of our events in 2025...
​
We're proud to offer membership networking and education events, and community events with fun for the whole family.  
A printable guide is available here!  

The 2025 Washington Town & Country Fair (a division of the Chamber) will be held August 6-10.  The Fair always begins on the first Wednesday of August.

For more events in the Washington area, check out our community calendar:  
https://web.washmochamber.org/events​

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Outstanding Young Professionals Class of 2024!

8/26/2024

 
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2024 Music at the Market Line-Up Announced

4/12/2024

 
Are you a lover of live music, food, and wine? Well, you're in luck! The Music at the Market event series, organized by the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce and the Washington Parks Department, is back for its 13th season in 2024. 

This free event series takes place on the second Thursday of every month from May until October. Each event features a local band, food vendor, and winery. You can come and enjoy the music while sipping on some delicious wine and indulging in some tasty food. Plus, there are benches and picnic tables available, but don't forget to bring your lawn chairs to sit back and relax.

Here is the schedule of events:
  • May 9: Garden Party featuring Sugarfire Smokehouse and Stone Hill Winery. Bartender: Guild Mortgage
  • June 13: Rockin’ Lazy R Roadhouse Band featuring Fazoli’s and McKelvey Vineyards. Bartender: Citizens Bank
  • July 11: Dixie Union featuring Mosaic Café and Catering and White Mule Winery. Bartender: Bank of Washington
  • September 12: Geenahwind featuring Tilted Skillet and Augusta Winery. Bartender: Janie Schriewer & Associations – Re/Max Results
  • October 10: Big Daddy Rooster featuring Pasta House. Bartender: Bank of Franklin County

 The Chamber is also hosting a Cajun Festival on Friday, June 21. This free event features live music from Dennis Stroughmatt with Creole Stomp. You can indulge in some mouth-watering food and drinks available for purchase while listening to some great music. Don't forget to bring your lawn chairs to sit back and enjoy the festivities.

Please note that the Market is a designated festival zone for the Cajun Festival and Music at the Market events. Pets and coolers are not permitted. So, mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some great music, delicious food, and wine at the Music at the Market event series and the Cajun Festival.

January 22nd, 2024

1/22/2024

 
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2024 Save the Dates!

1/5/2024

 
Click for Printable PDF Version
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2024 Board of Directors Nominees

11/13/2023

 
The Washington Area Chamber of Commerce has three Board of Directors position to fill for 2024.  
The following six nominees were selected from a highly qualified field of candidates:  Nicole Desmond, Brian Feltmann, Deb Giffin, Brian Gildehaus, Phillip James, and Dr. Jennifer Kephart.

Ballots will be mailed to members by November 15 and are due back to the Chamber Office by December 1.
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​Nicole Desmond is a lifelong Washington resident.  Nicole is employed at Deppe Farms, a family-owned business established right here in Washington in 1950.  She is a graduate of Washington High School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Economics from the University of Missouri.
Nicole served 9 years on the Washington Town & Country Fair Board and still loves volunteering her time whenever needed.  Nicole is serving on the board from the FFA Foundation, which helps all our surrounding High School FFA chapters.  She also love coaching girls basketball and is currently the assistant coach at Washington High School.
Nicole is married to JJ Desmond.  They reside on the family farm with their 5 kids.  Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and friends.  Her hobbies include gardening, spending time outdoors, and cycling.

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​Brian Feltmann was was born and raised in Washington.  He attended St Francis Borgia Grade School and High School.  After high school, he attended Missouri State University in Springfield and then started working full time at his family's business, Modern Auto.  He started on the sales floor and eventually became the sales manager.  In 2021, Brian and his cousin, Matt, had the opportunity to take over ownership of Modern Auto, and he currently serves as Co-Owner and Vice President.  In 2008, he joined the Washington Lions Club where and served as president from 2015-2016.  In his free time, Brian enjoys spending time with his family at Lake of the Ozarks or in the woods hunting.



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Deb Giffin has lived and raised her family in Washington since 2002.  She has been a prominent developer of affordable rental housing across the Midwest for over 35 years and currently serves on the executive board of the Missouri Workforce Housing Association and Missouri Council of Affordable Rental Housing. Ms Giffin operated her business outside of the Washington community until 2019 when she invested in downtown Washington.  Ms. Giffin purchased the former Neiberg & Vitt building at the corner of 4th and Elm where she operates her real estate firm on the 2nd floor while customers enjoy her eclectic boutique and lunch café, Swallows Nest Boutique Café, on the first floor. After completing the Swallows Nest building, Ms. Giffin purchased the tri-plex home across 4th Street next to the Swallows next parking lot where she is awaiting demolition for future development.  In 2022, Ms. Giffin turned her interests to the former Knights of Columbus Hall, located at 2nd and Jefferson, where she has been actively renovating the 9,000 sq ft building with plans to open by year end. 
 
Ms. Giffin is dedicated to the success of our downtown district.  She has been serving on various committees since her initial investment in 2019.  Her active participation includes the city’s Comprehensive Plan review committee, CORE, and Tourism committee.  Ms. Giffin enjoys contributing her time to our amazing community and reserves a special place in her heart for our downtown district.

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Brian Gildehaus is the Manager of Project Services at Bayer Cropscience.  In his current role at Bayer, Brian specializes in supporting the execution of engineering and construction projects that facilitate capital investment. Throughout his career he has focused on delivering project solutions to key stakeholders.  He has developed a background in cost control, capital budgeting, accounting, contract management, cost/schedule management.  Brian’s responsibilities also include financial analysis and reporting that drive key decision making.  In addition to his role at Bayer, Brian has been a member of various area industry organizations ranging from the St. Louis Construction Consumer Council to the St. Louis Agri-Business Club. He served on the Washington Town and Country Fair Board for 11 years.  He was the Chairman in 2018.  Brian enjoys volunteering in the community, attending and coaching youth sports.  He resides in Washington with his wife Angie and his children Charlie, Valerie and Beverly.

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Phillip James is the General Manager of WEG Transformers USA in Washington.  He has P&L responsibility for all three WEG factories including Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Strategic Planning and Information Systems.  Phillip has worked at WEG since March 2016 and he has spent his entire 35-year business career in manufacturing with four different companies, in three different states.
Phillip joined WEG Transformers in 2016, one year before the acquisition of the business by WEG and has been instrumental in planning and executing the purchase of the old Melton factory and starting up WEG’s Distribution Transformer business on Bluff Road in that building.  Phillip has also led the WEG team in their recent major expansion of WEG’s Power Transformers business on Avantha Drive, over the past two years.
Phillip and his wife Melissa have been married for 35 years, moved to Washington in 2021 and live in the downtown area.  They have two adult children and one granddaughter.
Phillip and Melissa own Vintage Trader, a vintage and antique business, located in Downtown Washington.  They are active members of Downtown Washington Inc.  Phillip and Melissa are members of First Christian Church (FCC) in Washington.  Phillip is also an active leader at WEG with their annual United Way campaign where WEG has been the 2nd largest contributor to the Franklin County United Way for the past two years.

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Dr. Jennifer Kephart, an accomplished educational leader with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Saint Louis University, serves as the proud Superintendent of the School District of Washington. Throughout her career, she has held diverse leadership positions, including roles as a teacher, Elementary Principal, Director of Curriculum, Executive Director of Elementary Education, and Associate Superintendent of Academic Services. Since assuming her role as Superintendent in July 2021, Dr. Kephart has focused on facilitating a smooth transition while building strong relationships with the Board of Education, the community, district staff, and students. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and excellence, reflecting her unwavering commitment to providing every student in the District with a top-tier education. Dr. Kephart has been instrumental in leading the Connect Washington and Washington SOAR Into STEM initiatives to connect students with their workforce passions and interests while building a stronger community impact.  Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Kephart actively engages in educational committees and boards, further demonstrating her dedication to enhancing educational collaboration and stakeholder conversations. Dr. Kephart and her husband, Pete, love living in Washington.  Pete is a professional pilot and a Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Army helicopter pilot.  Pete and Jennifer have two children who live in Colorado and Illinois. When they are not attending events in the community, they enjoy spending time with their kids, flying out of the Washington Regional Airport, boating at the Lake of the Ozarks, and traveling with friends.


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