• A thriving business community lays a foundation for the southwest Washington region. Incredible efforts are put towards accomplishing success, and it is important to recognize the hard work, diligence, and passion that is put into our business community each year!

    Your nomination of a GVC Member company, organization, or individual for the Business & Leadership Awards shows our local entrepreneurs, enterprises, non-profits, pioneers, innovators, and legacy leaders how impactful their hard work truly is.

  • We look forward to hearing about the exceptional business or individual you plan to nominate. But first, we'd like to know a little more about you!

  • Thank you for letting us know. Now for the exciting part! 

    The Chamber’s Business & Leadership Awards will recognize outstanding individuals and organizations across six categories:

    • First Citizen
    • Small Business
    • Statesperson
    • Start-Up to Watch
    • Large Business 
    • Manufacturer of the Year 

    Three finalists will be selected in each category, with one winner announced during our awards celebration on Wednesday, October 14!

    We’ll share more details about each award category and its criteria in just a moment.

  • Are you nominating an individual or a company or both?*

  • What is the First Citizen Award?

    Since 1939, the First Citizen Award has honored a distinguished individual whose long-standing commitment to their profession and community has created a meaningful and lasting impact. This recognition is reserved for those who, over the course of their career, have consistently demonstrated leadership, service, and/or civic engagement - individuals whose business, volunteerism, and philanthropy have not only elevated their industry but also improved the lives of others. The First Citizen is someone who has dedicated decades to serving first.

  • What is the Statesperson Award?

    This award honors elected individuals who represent the interest of business along with their overall community priorities and responsibilities. Nominees must currently be in an elected position, in any of the Clark County municipalities or jurisdictions. The nominator should be able to articulate the manner the elected official represented the interests of business within their jurisdiction or in the business community as a whole.

    Award sponsored by WSU Vancouver

     

  • I would like to recognize {whatIs20} as a nominee for the...*

  • Prior to the Business & Leadership Awards, we will be contacting the nominees to congratulate them on their recognition. 

    Are you able to provide us with your nominee's email address? 

    Note: Award Winners will be announced during the VIP Celebration and on social media!

  • I would like to recognize {whatIs11} as a nominee for the...*

  • What is the Small Business Award?

    The Small Business of the Year Award is given to an organization with 25 or fewer employees. This business will likely be growing in market share and total sales year over year. The business will be creating more jobs for our community due to their growth. Additionally, the business will be acknowledged for being a great place to work and for delivering products or services which provide great value to their customers. Many of our previous honorees in this category are also well know for their willingness to give back in a way that helps our community thrive.

    Award sponsored by Washington Trust Bank

  • What is the Start-Up to Watch Award?


    This award honors businesses started by enterprising, enthusiastic, and passionate business people. This award considers those who have been in business up to five years and recognizes one that is emblematic of tenacity, vision, and strong business practices. The business will have demonstrated success consistent with their initial business plan and will employ at least one additional person other than the founder.

    Award sponsored by Maddox Industrial Transformer

  • What is the Large Business of the Year Award?

    The Large Business of the Year Award is given to an organization with more than 25 employees. This business will likely be growing in market share and total sales year over year. The business will be creating more jobs for our community due to their growth. Additionally, the business will be acknowledged for being a great place to work and for delivering products or services which provide great value to their customers. Many of our previous honorees in this category are also well know for their willingness to give back in a way that helps our community thrive.

  • What is the Manufacturer of the Year Award?


    The Manufacturer of the Year Award is given to a standout Washington state manufacturer. This premier award recognizes a Washington state manufacturer that has a commitment to business excellence, has found creative solutions to challenges that raise or enhance the industry standard, as well as involvement in state and/or local public policy issues that affect manufacturers.

     Award sponsored by Alaska Airlines

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