Greater Vancouver Chamber Announces 2025 Business & Leadership Awards Honorees

Greater Vancouver Chamber

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2025 BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP AWARDS HONOREES

Celebrating Excellence in Business, Leadership, and Community Impact at The Heathman Lodge

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Business & Leadership Awards, presented by Riverview Bank. These prestigious awards recognize outstanding businesses and leaders who have made meaningful contributions to the economic growth, vitality, and community spirit of Southwest Washington.

2025 Award Recipients

Start-Up to Watch: OnPoint Removal Services
OnPoint Removal Services was honored as the Start-Up to Watch for quickly establishing itself as more than a service company. They have become a responsible partner in building a cleaner and more sustainable Southwest Washington. With a focus on sorting, recycling, and donating usable goods, OnPoint Removal Services demonstrates how business practices can directly support local nonprofits and families in need. Their early growth, reliability, and commitment to community stewardship set them apart.

Small Business Award: The Difference Boutique
The Difference received the Small Business Award for its dedication to empowering women through personalized styling, confidence-building, and community engagement. By spotlighting local artists and fostering connections beyond retail, The Difference has woven itself into Vancouver’s social fabric, partnering across industries to create lasting impact for clients and the broader community.

Large Business Award: Cascades Amphitheater (Live Nation Premium Experiences)
Cascades Amphitheater earned the Large Business Award for elevating Southwest Washington’s cultural and economic landscape. By bringing world-class entertainment to the region, supporting local nonprofits, mentoring youth through programs like Music Forward, and fostering community engagement, Cascades Amphitheater demonstrates how a global organization can remain deeply rooted locally while driving both economic growth and social impact.

Statesperson of the Year: Rep. Kevin Waters (17th Legislative District)
Rep. Kevin Waters was recognized for his unique blend of business leadership and public service. A lifelong resident, Waters founded Backwoods Brewing and expanded it into a thriving company. He has served on multiple community boards, as Port of Skamania Commissioner, economic development manager, and now represents the 17th District in the Washington State Legislature. His dedication to economic vitality, public safety, and community values exemplifies the ideal of the Statesperson Award.

Manufacturer of the Year: Ryonet
Ryonet, a Vancouver-based screen printing supplier founded in 2004, has grown into a global leader in print manufacturing while remaining committed to the local community. Through brands such as Ryonet Manufacturing and Riley Hopkins, the company supports entrepreneurs worldwide and drives innovation in the printing industry, showcasing how a locally rooted manufacturer can have global impact.

First Citizen Award: David & Patricia Nierenberg
Philanthropists David and Patricia Nierenberg were recognized as the 2025 First Citizens for their extraordinary leadership, philanthropy, and long-standing service to the Vancouver community. Their $20 million support of PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center has expanded the Emergency Department and established the Community Health Hub, significantly improving access to healthcare. They have served on numerous local and national boards, championed education and animal welfare initiatives, and embody the vision and generosity celebrated by the First Citizen Award.

“The Business & Leadership Awards highlight the creativity, dedication, and leadership that make our community thrive," said John McDonagh, President & CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. "Each honoree, whether a business innovator, community advocate, or public servant, represents the talent and drive that keep Southwest Washington moving forward."

The awards ceremony was held on October 9 at The Heathman Lodge and was live-streamed for a broader audience. The event was supported by generous sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Riverview Bank, along with BBSI, Maddox Industrial Transformer, HAPO Community Credit Union, Alaska Airlines, PeaceHealth, Washington Trust Bank, WSU Vancouver, The Columbian, Perkins & Co, Opsahl Dawson, MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions, and Touchmark.

For more information on the awards and next year’s sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Chamber at YourChamber@VancouverUSA.com or visit https://www.vancouverusa.com/business-leadership-awards.

About the Business & Leadership Awards

Introduced in 2012, the Business & Leadership Awards honor outstanding businesses and individuals who exemplify the Greater Vancouver Chamber’s motto of "Moving Business Forward." For over a decade, the southwest Washington business community has celebrated excellence and leadership through these prestigious awards.

About First Citizen Award

Since 1939, the annual First Citizen Award has been presented to a Clark County resident who models the attributes of good citizenship through leadership, action, civic pride, and cultivates inclusive civic engagement practices. These are individuals who, through their business, volunteering, and philanthropic efforts, improve the lives of those in the community by serving first. For more information about the First Citizens through the years, visit: https://www.vancouverusa.com/first-citizen-award-honorees.

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 more than 135 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.

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