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WASHINGTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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    Washington, MO  63090
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      • Submit an Event
    • Annual Banquet
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    • Olde Fashioned Christmas
    • Pumpkin Palooza
    • Santa on Amtrak
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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.

HR Leadership Forum networking group kicks off Nov. 16!

11/10/2021

 
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The Quality Coach® is pleased to launch a new professional networking group called the HR Leadership Forum (HRLF).
 
Pre-COVID, we hosted our 5P (Positive People Practices, Plus Pie) networking events. These popular sessions provided a great opportunity to network, learn from each other, and hear from HR experts. We expect HRLF to be a next-level event drawing from a larger geographic area, attracting more special guests, and just what you need when you need it.
 
ECC staff from the Center for Workforce Development will host our first event and serve as our guest speaker sharing some amazing funding opportunities for which your organization may qualify. Local manufacturing, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations along with small businesses, have recently benefited from these new funding sources for potential, new, and, incumbent workers. These programs are more flexible than ever. Come learn if your company is eligible for these training dollars!


 Click here to register now!


Tuesday, November 16, 2021
11:30-1:00

 
Complimentary lunch at 11:30. 
  
All are welcome, registration is required.

Mercy to host drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic Oct. 2

9/9/2021

 
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Protecting yourself and those around you from influenza (flu) will be a little easier this year as Mercy hosts four drive-thru flu shot clinics. The clinics will be held across the St. Louis region over four weeks.
In addition to the convenience of allowing recipients to stay in their cars, the drive-thru clinics will allow for plenty of distancing, an important step in preventing the spread of both COVID-19 and the flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Americans receive a flu vaccine every year as the most important step in protecting oneself from flu viruses. The vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of illness and hospitalization; it also lowers the risk of flu-related deaths in children.
In addition to protecting people who receive the shot themselves, the vaccine allows recipients to help protect those around them, including those most at risk: babies, young children, older people and anyone with certain chronic health conditions like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes.
Mercy will hold the drive-thru clinics on four consecutive Saturdays staring on Sept. 11. They will be provided in four different counties in the region: St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County and Jefferson County.
All flu shots will be given without appointments on a first come, first served basis. They are available to anyone seven years and older.


Sat., Sept. 11
8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Mercy Clinic – Mid Rivers
4525 Mid Rivers Mall Drive
Cottleville, MO 63376
​
​Sat., Sept. 18
8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Mercy Pharmacy Clayton-Clarkson
15945 Clayton Road
Clarkson Valley, MO 63011
​Sat., Sept 25
8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Mercy Pharmacy – Jefferson
1400 U.S. Highway 61
Crystal City, MO 63028​
Sat., Oct. 2
8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Mercy Pharmacy – Patients First
901 Patients First Drive
Washington, MO 63090
​
Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems for four consecutive years by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy is one of the nation’s most highly integrated, multi-state health care systems, including more than 40 acute care, managed and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, convenient urgent care locations, imaging centers and pharmacies. Mercy has 900 physician practices and outpatient facilities, more than 4,000 Mercy Clinic physicians and advanced practitioners and 40,000-plus co-workers serving patients and families across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy's IT division, Mercy Technology Services, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients from coast to coast.

1 Year Celebration & Open House @ I.B. Nuts & Fruit Too!

7/7/2020

 
Friday, July 10  ~  12:00  - 5:00 p.m.

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​
It's been one year since Holly Wunderlich took over I.B. Nuts & Fruit Too, located at 200 Elm Street in Washington!

Samples will be offered, and many items will be discounted for the celebration.

​For more information on I.B. Nuts & Fruit Too:

www.ib-nuts.com
www.facebook.com/ibnutsandfruittoo
www.instagram.com/ibnutsandfruittoo


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ALIVE - Roaring 20's Trivia Night

2/12/2020

 
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The Quality Coach!  Understanding & Leveraging DISC Behavioral Styles

2/12/2020

 
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Event Re-Cap:  December Business After Hours

12/9/2019

 
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Sahm Welding & Fabrication hosted a Business After Hours / Open House event on Friday, December 6, 2019 to showcase their recently expanded and renovated work space.  The team at Sahm spoiled visitors with food and drinks, along with gift bags!

Nearly 200 people stopped by to see the facility and learn more about the family-owned operation.  
​
Sahm Welding & Fabrication Inc. is a small business and is centrally located in the United States. Our product development is from prototypes to production. We offer reasonable prices and have certified welders so our quality is top notch. Some of our greatest assets are our employees, location, and on time delivery of an excellent product.  
    Address:  6337 Bluff Rd, Washington, MO  63090
    Phone:  (636) 239-8966
    Website:  sahmweldingandfabrication.com
    Facebook:  fb.com/SahmWeldingAndFabricationInc


Members interested in hosting a Business After Hours event in 2020 should contact Cheryl in the Chamber Office (636-239-2715 x101) to get on the schedule!
​

I want to thank you and  SAHM Welding and Fabrication for hosting a great event this afternoon.  Bobby Bland, East Central College's Welding program coordinator, and I stopped by to checkout  SAHM's beautiful facility!!!
We both were able to introduce ourselves to Mark and explain our mission.   We are excited to get his guidance as we build  "future" welders that will serve the needs of our community partners. 

Thanks,
 Dr. Richard Hudanick, Ed.D.
Dean - Career and Technical Education, ​East Central College

Carnivore Night at The Creek

4/11/2019

 
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9th Annual Creek Grill & Sports Bar/KLPW Carnivore Night is Tuesday April 23rd!

Sausage King of Franklin County Contest
  • 6-7 p.m.  Check In
  • 7 p.m.  Judging
  • 9 p.m.  2019 Sausage King Crowned
 
Bring in a sliced full stick and join in on the “Sausage Swap”
A sharing table will be set up for everyone who brings in a stick to try others sausage. 
 
Enjoy a night out Swapping Sausage and Stories while knocking back a couple of cold ones.
 
The Creek Grill and Sports Bar
2000 Phoenix Center Dr. Washington MO
636 390 9393  

First Bank To Host Business/PR Education Event

4/11/2019

 
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Jaycees plan 12th Annual Brewfest

8/29/2018

 
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The 12th Annual Washington Jaycees' Brewfest (and Spirit Tasting) will be held on Saturday, September 8 at the Farmer's Market in historic Downtown Washington.

Here's what you need to know:
1. Admission to the tasting area is $15 in advance, $20 at the door
2. Admission price includes a commemorative glass
3. Over 50 microbrew beers from over 18+ breweries will be poured for tasting, including: John G's Tap Room Home of Augusta Brewing Company, Point Labaddie Brewery, The Old Bakery Beer Company, Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, Boulevard Brewing Company, Deep Sleep Brewing Company, Good News Brewing Company, Missouri Beer Company, Public House Brewing Company: Rolla, Social Call Brewing, Schlafly Beer, Logboat Brewing Company, Elysian Brewing, O'Fallon Brewery, Mother's Brewing Company, SweetWater Brewing Company, Alaskan Brewing Co., and Golden Road Brewing!
4. This year we have partnered with food vendor StreetSide Tacos who will be on-site during the event and providing items for purchase
5. Live music by The Tall Poppies will be played throughout the duration of the event
6. Back by popular demand! Mixed drinks will be available for purchase from Pinckney Bend Distillery and Wood Hat Spirits
7. Proceeds from the event will benefit ongoing community projects sponsored by the Washington Jaycees

To pay in advance, visit the downtown Post office or purchase tickets online.
Your glass will be reserved. Tasting hours are from 4 - 8 pm.

For questions or inquiries contact event chairpersons Frank Hemmer or Jake Westhoff.

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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
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