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Greater Vancouver Chamber Announces the 2023 Iris Awards’ Finalists

PR_IrisAwards_2023

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER ANNOUNCES THE 2023 IRIS AWARDS' FINALISTS 

The awards, presented in observation of International Women’s Day, annually recognize outstanding women for their efforts and impact in the Southwest Washington region. 

Vancouver, WA - The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2023 Iris Awards, presented by LSW Architects. The three recipients of this year’s awards will be revealed in a virtual ceremony at 12:00 pm, following the GVC’s Women Who Mean Business Symposium on Wednesday, March 8. 

For over three decades, the Iris Awards have shone a spotlight on the remarkable women of Southwest Washington who have made a lasting impact on their community. Since its inception in 1985, this prestigious award has celebrated the exceptional achievements of women who embody outstanding leadership, philanthropy, and public service. 

Every year, the Greater Vancouver region nominates women who have made a significant contribution to the community. These women are recognized for their outstanding commitment to making the region a better place through their tireless work and dedication. 

The Iris Awards are a testament to the incredible talent, strength, and dedication of the women in Southwest Washington. Through their leadership, these women inspire us all to strive for excellence and make a positive difference in the world around us. 

The finalists for the 2023 Iris Awards are:   

  • Amy Davis- Senior Vice President Business Banking, Columbia Bank  
  • Amy Reeves- Vice President SW Washington Area Manager, OnPoint Community Credit Union   
  • Colleen O’Neal- Co-Board President, Battle Ground Education Foundation    
  • Debbie Ham- Executive Director, Support for Early Learning & Families (SELF) 
  • Holly Williams- Commissioner, Washington State Parks, and Recreation Commission 
  • Jan Van Dyke- Commissioner, Clark Public Utilities  
  • Dr. Karin Edwards- President, Clark College  
  • Linda Reid- Senior Vice President Relationship Banking Officer, Heritage Bank  
  • Lisa Dow- Executive Vice President & Chief Risk Officer, Columbia Bank 
  • Monica Tellez-Fowler- Deputy Chief Executive Officer, C-TRAN   

“These remarkable individuals represent the best and brightest talent in our community, and they inspire us all with their dedication, creativity, and vision. We are proud to be part of a community that continues creating opportunities for women to lead, to innovate, and to excel. The Chamber received a record number of nominations this year! Congratulations to our 2023 Iris Awards finalists and thank you for all that you do to make our Greater Vancouver a better place," said GVC President & CEO John McDonagh.    

Sponsors of the 2023 Iris Awards include supporting sponsor Riverview Bank, and awards sponsors Legacy Health, OnPoint Community Credit Union, and Key Bank.   

The Women Who Mean Business Symposium is presented by LSW Architects and supported by additional sponsors, HAPO Community Credit Union, MacKay Sposito, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, Columbia Credit Union, Johnson Bixby, Columbia Machine Inc., Palm Beach Tan, The Columbian, NW Natural, and Corwin Beverage Company.      

For more information about the Iris Awards, event tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, visit VancouverUSA.com/WomenInLeadership.   

About the Iris Awards

Wanting to recognize women of achievement in Southwest Washington who exemplified leadership, philanthropy, and community service was the inspiration for the Iris Awards in 1985. For 38 years, the southwest Washington community has nominated outstanding women for recognition. The Iris Award is held to commemorate National Women’s History Month, to recognize International Women’s Day, and to honor volunteer efforts and community leadership of women in Clark County.   

About the Greater Vancouver Chamber

SW Washington’s largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 130 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com. 

Event Contact:  
Hadley Phillips, Greater Vancouver Chamber
360.567.1052, HPhillips@VancouverUSA.com

Media Assets:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/142Sf93O5e765DUQKSqPagCVXjhKDVei8?usp=sharing

Event Link:
2023 Iris Awards 

Official Program Link:
Women Who Mean Business Symposium 

Press Release Contact

Portrait of Lourdes Salmonte-Garcia

Lourdes Salmonte-Garcia
Marketing & Communications Specialist
she/her

Phone: 360.567.1058
Email Lourdes

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