​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.

​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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ask the Expert columns are written by members with helpful information relevant to other member businesses and/or the general public.
Member Features highlight big accomplishments or newsworthy items from our members. Features generally cover things like major anniversaries/milestones, new locations/expansions, awards, etc.

"Ask the Expert" columns and Member Features are published on the blog, shared on the Chamber' Facebook Page, and linked in the Update email to members.

Timeline: Ongoing
To Participate: E-mail content and photos to Amanda.

After the 2023 Chamber Education Series was announced, a number of businesses expresses interest in giving presentations to increase awareness of the ways they were able to help business owners and managers, and the idea of the Business Resource Fair was born!
The event is being organized by the CAPS students, in partnership with the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Washington, and Downtown Washington, Inc.
The Business Resource Fair will feature an exhibit space to showcase resources for current and prospective business owners, as well as break-out sessions with presentations and workshops.
*A Business Resource Guide will be created featuring participants and will be published on the Chamber website.
Additional details will be published when available, and CAPS students will follow up with interested exhibitors and presenters.

Timeline: First Come, First Served. Deadline to Register April 15.
To Participate: Sign Up Here!

Nicole Desmond is employed at Deppe Farms, a family-owned business established right here in Washington in 1950.  She is a graduate of Washington High School earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Economics from the University of Missouri before returning to the family farm.
Nicole enjoys being involved in the community and volunteering her time. She served 9 years on the Washington Town and Country fair board and still continues to volunteer her time there whenever needed. She coached basketball for 12 years, served 5 years on the Athletic Board, and volunteered on the Auction Committee at St. Gertrude School.  Currently, Nicole is serving on the board for the FFA Foundation which helps all our surrounding High School FFA chapters. She has joined the Washington High Athletic Association auction committee and is in her 2nd year as an assistant coach for the WHS girls varsity basketball team.
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.

Michel "Shelley" Vollmer is a lifelong Washington resident who for the past 23 years has been the owner of Wimpy's Sandwich Shop on Jefferson Street.
Shelley is a graduate of Washington High School, East Central College, and Missouri Baptist University.
For the past 10 years, she has been on the Board of Public Water District #1 and she is active in the day to day operation of American Legion Post 218, serving as bookkeeper.
She has been responsible for the management of the Main Lunchstand at the Washington Town & Country Fair for the past 2 years and serves on the planning committee for the annual GoFund Charity Golf Classic. 
Shelley and her husband, Joe, have two sons, Colton and Connor.  In their free time, they enjoy all outdoor activities, especially camping and vacationing.

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 is married to his wife, Kathy, of 33 yrs.  Steve & Kathy have two children, ages 25 & 27.  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.  

On Monday, October 3,  just over 200 people gathered at the annual Member Luncheon to recognize the Outstanding Young Professionals Class of 2022.  The event was held at the KC Hall in Washington.  Tables were decorated with centerpieces provided by Hillermann Nursery & Florist and advance copies of the OYP special section from The Missourian.  Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal from the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary and time to network and mingle before the awards program.
Thank you to everyone that attended our event, and a special thanks to our sponsors (listed below), and to the businesses and individuals that made nominations for our awards!  Our next membership event will be the Winter Mixer on Thursday, December 8.  We also have three community events coming up:  Music at the Market (Oct. 13), Pumpkin Palooza (Oct. 29), and Olde Fashioned Christmas (Nov. 27).

The Washington Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Don Grahl (The Creek Grill & Sports Bar) and Scott Mentz (Mentz Foundations) to the Board of Directors.  They were chosen through a membership-wide ballot that included four nominees, selected by a committee of past board chairs. 
 
“We are excited to add Don and Scott to our Board!  Both have a built great businesses in our community and have been wonderful supporters of our Chamber.  We are thrilled they have volunteered to serve our community in this capacity,” said Chamber President, Jennifer Giesike.  Board members typically serve two, 3-year terms on the board, although if selected by fellow directors to the Executive Board, additional years can be served.  Grahl and Mentz replace Dan Cassette (Cassette Electric) and Craig Mueller (Imo’s Pizza, Sugarfire Smokehouse), whose terms ended on December 31, 2021.
 
Don Grahl moved to Washington nearly 20 years ago and considers it, without a doubt, the best decision he and his wife, Donna, ever made. The move here has served their family exceptionally well, both personally and professionally.   Donna works at St. Francis Borgia High School, and together they own and operate The Creek Grill and Sports Bar, which just celebrated its 12th anniversary serving this community. Don and Donna have three adult children, including two that reside in town and work in the area. Don has one granddaughter and another on the way.
Don would consider it an honor to serve on the Washington Area Chamber Board of Directors. It would allow him to give back to this great city a fraction of what he feels it has given him and his family.
 
 Scott Mentz ​​ owns and operates Mentz Foundations, Inc., a small business specializing in concrete constructions.  He has been a leader in that field for over 35 years.  Scott is a hardworking, detail-oriented individual with strong managerial and organization skills. 
Scott is currently a Director at Heritage Community Bank.  He previously served nine years on the Washington Town & Country Fair Board and was President of the Franklin County Construction Industrial Council for three years.
Scott and his wife, Lisa, have two adult daughters, Stephanie and Taylor.  He loves spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and enjoys coaching youth sports, playing golf, farming, and traveling.
 
Grahl and Mentz will join 14 others on the 2022 Board of Directors.
 
Executive Board

• Andy Robinson (School District of Washington) – Chairman
• Jay Nowak (Bank of Washington) – 1st Vice Chair
• Steve Strubberg (Horn Architects) – 2nd Vice Chair
• Tanya McCormack (Washington Hearing Center)
• Karen Timpe (Legacy Embroidery & Screenprinting)
• Paul Brune (MFA Co-Op #2) – Ex-Officio

Board of Directors

• Jon Ballmann (Past Fair Chairman)
• Josh Brinker (Bank of Franklin County)
• Becky Cox (Four Rivers Family YMCA)
• Scott Hillermann (Hillermann Nursery & Florist)
• Joe Maniaci (PFG Fox River Foods)
• Luke Meyer (Citizens Bank)
• Tricia Piontek (The Magnet Group)
• Kevin Richardson (Zick, Voss, Politte & Richardson, P.C.)

Nicole Desmond is employed at Deppe Farms, a family-owned business established right here in Washington in 1950.  She is a graduate of Washington High School earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Economics from the University of Missouri before returning to the family farm.
Nicole enjoys being involved in the community and volunteering her time. She served 9 years on the Washington Town and Country fair board and still continues to volunteer her time there whenever needed. She coached basketball for 12 years, served 5 years on the Athletic Board, and volunteered on the Auction Committee at St. Gertrude School.  Currently, Nicole is serving on the board for the FFA Foundation which helps all our surrounding High School FFA chapters. She has joined the Washington High Athletic Association auction committee and is in her 2nd year as an assistant coach for the WHS girls varsity basketball team.
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.

Logan Diebal owns and manages First Choice Facilities, one of the largest national snow and ice management companies in the nation, with over seven branches across the country.  He is especially proud of creating a company that offers some of the best benefits, culture, and facilities to its employees in our area.  First Choice Facilities is headquartered in Washington and has made contributions to many local charities and initiatives.
Logan has always enjoyed leadership and problem solving and believes his strategic business sense would be an asset to the Chamber Board.  He wants to be involved in the community to ensure the town offers things that will keep younger generations here permanently.
Logan and his wife, Emily, currently live in Gerald.  In his free time, Logan enjoys traveling and trying new foods.  He loves outdoor hobbies, like skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and hiking.  His favorite local spot is the Riverfront Trail.

Don Grahl moved to Washington nearly 20 years ago and considers it, without a doubt, the best decision he and his wife, Donna, ever made. The move here has served their family exceptionally well, both personally and professionally.   Donna works at St. Francis Borgia High School, and together they own and operate The Creek Grill and Sports Bar, which just celebrated its 12th anniversary serving this community. Don and Donna have three adult children, including two that reside in town and work in the area. Don has one granddaughter and another on the way.
Don would consider it an honor to serve on the Washington Area Chamber Board of Directors. It would allow him to give back to this great city a fraction of what he feels it has given him and his family.

Scott Mentz ​​ owns and operates Mentz Foundations, Inc., a small business specializing in concrete constructions.  He has been a leader in that field for over 35 years.  Scott is a hardworking, detail-oriented individual with strong managerial and organization skills. 
Scott is currently a Director at Heritage Community Bank.  He previously served nine years on the Washington Town & Country Fair Board and was President of the Franklin County Construction Industrial Council for three years.
Scott and his wife, Lisa, have two adult daughters, Stephanie and Taylor.  He loves spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and enjoys coaching youth sports, playing golf, farming, and traveling.

On Friday, February 26, Four Rivers Career Center in Washington hosted a signing day ceremony to recognize 33 Youth Registered Apprentices and 10 Apprentice-Elects.  Watch the Ceremony here!  Leaders representing the community, apprentice's parents, FRCC instructors and elected officials, as well as Wade Johnson (Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship) and Commissioner Zora Mulligan (Dept. of Higher Education and Workforce Development) were present to celebrate the students' achievements.  Over the past six months, staff at the career center has worked closely with City of Washington and Chamber Officials to develop partnerships with local businesses and accelerate the youth-focused apprenticeship program.

​Cynthia Walker was hired as the Apprenticeship Coordinator and has been impressed with the way the community has embraced the apprenticeship model.  "I'm amazed at the achievements we can make when we all work together as a team.  The vision of YRA has been a long held initiative for our administration, school board, employers, and our local/state officials, with a purpose to bolster our economy and fill the needed workforce skills gap.  Our FRCC Director, Andy Robinson, has helped put feet to that vision and provided the initiative for the community relationships, the leadership, as well as the many provisions to move this chapter of career and technical education forward."

Governor Mike Parson and Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe, both supporters of apprenticeship and other programs to help narrow the skills gap, were unable to attend the ceremony due to scheduling conflicts.  Gov. Parson has plans to visit FRCC for a tour in the future, and Lt. Gov. Kehoe provided a video address for the ceremony, stating, "CTE (Career & Technical Education) students are a vital resource to Missouri's thriving economy today, tomorrow, and the future because our state needs a strong skilled, and highly motivated workforce to compete in the world's marketplace." 

Wade Johnson of the U.S. Department of Labor/Office of Apprenticeship had wonderful things to say about the greater Washington community and Four Rivers Career Center.  Before presenting the official certification of the FRCC Apprenticeship Program, he stated, "City and Business organizations.  This is the perfect storm in a positive way of things that need to happen to not only develop an apprenticeship program, but to have it be sustainable." 

His words about the students, however, were a highlight of the day, and proof that Four Rivers Career Center is living and fulfilling its mission to provide a quality education with real life experiences and opportunities to achieve a higher standard of living for a diverse student population using authentic hands-on learning modeled by knowledgeable and caring instructors.

Johnson stated, "I wish I was as confident and talented in high school as what I've seen today.  And it's not just the apprentices.  The kids that gave us tours... They were very sure of what they wanted to do and how they wanted to prepare themselves for the workforce, for becoming productive, contributing members of society, forging their own path to the middle class.  It inspires me, and it gives me hope for the future."