Washington County Chamber of Commerce Marks 106th Annual Meeting with Leadership Transition and Awards

Per a press release from the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, the organization recently convened its 106th Annual Meeting, an event that celebrated a successful fiscal year and saw a significant leadership transition. The gathering, held on the evening of September 25th, 2025, at Fountain Head Country Club, welcomed over 175 guests. A key moment of the evening was the ceremonial passing of the gavel, marking the official handover of the board chair position.

Mary Ellen Waltemire, outgoing Immediate Past Board Chair and representative of One Step Closer Coaching, presented the gavel to the incoming fiscal year 2026 Board Chair, Abraham “Abe” Perez, III. Perez, affiliated with Middletown Valley Bank, brings extensive experience to the role, having served on The Chamber’s board of directors since 2020. His nearly three decades in the banking industry, including his current position as Assistant Vice President – Commercial Relationship Manager at Middletown Valley Bank, provide a strong foundation for his leadership. Perez expressed enthusiasm for continuing collaborations with the local business community and government entities to foster progress in Washington County for current and future residents.

In addition to the leadership change, the annual meeting served as a platform to recognize individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the community. Recipients of the Distinguished Service Award were honored for their dedication and impact. Among those acknowledged were Jessica Green of The Maryland Theatre, Bill Gaertner of Gatekeepers Corp., Brittany Arizmendi of the City of Hagerstown, Meritus Health, and Hagerstown Community College.

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce, guided by its principles of growth, community, and success, emphasizes the value of diversity within its business and nonprofit membership. The organization actively promotes participation, inclusion, and collaboration, aiming to facilitate cooperation among elected officials across all governmental levels. Its membership comprises over 675 organizations, collectively representing more than 40,000 local jobs across a broad spectrum of industries, including retail, manufacturing, healthcare, skilled trades, service and hospitality, technology, government, nonprofits, and education. Further information about The Chamber can be obtained by calling 301.739.2015 or visiting http://www.hagerstown.org.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.

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