Greater Vancouver Chamber Announces 2026 Business & Leadership Awards Honorees

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2026 BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP AWARDS HONOREES

Annual awards recognize outstanding businesses, public service and community leadership across Southwest Washington.

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) announced the recipients of its 2026 Business & Leadership Awards, presented by Riverview Bank, during a ceremony on October 14 at The Heathman Lodge. The annual awards celebrate outstanding businesses and leaders whose contributions strengthen the economy, support the community and help move Southwest Washington forward.

2026 Award Recipients

• Start-Up to Watch: School of Rock Vancouver

School of Rock Vancouver is transforming music education by combining hands-on instruction with live performances and collaborative learning. Through its performance-based approach, the business helps students build musical skills, confidence, teamwork and leadership while contributing to the region’s vibrant arts community.

• Small Business Award: ANC Movers

ANC Movers has built a longstanding reputation for using its business to make a difference throughout Southwest Washington. Beyond providing moving services, the company creates employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to work, assists families experiencing hardship with affordable moves, and supports local nonprofits through donated services and other contributions. Its resourcefulness and generosity have also helped redirect usable medical equipment to communities in need overseas.

• Large Business Award: MacKay

Headquartered in Vancouver, MacKay has helped shape Southwest Washington through community-focused planning and projects, including Vancouver’s Main Street Promise, public infrastructure and parks. The firm partners with local governments, businesses and community organizations to develop lasting solutions while investing in future professionals through educational partnerships with Washington State University Vancouver.

• Statesperson of the Year: Alishia Topper, Clark County Treasurer

Alishia Topper is recognized for a career dedicated to public service, responsible financial stewardship and expanding opportunity across Clark County. Serving as Clark County Treasurer since 2019, following five years on Vancouver City Council, Topper has also championed affordable housing, supported vulnerable residents and contributed to numerous civic and nonprofit organizations. Her leadership includes service on the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and as president of the Washington State Association of County Treasurers.

• Manufacturer of the Year: United Precision Corporation

United Precision Corporation (UPC) has rapidly expanded its advanced manufacturing presence in Clark County, developing a 50,000-square-foot facility in Washougal that employs 55 people. With projected revenue growth of 40% in 2026, the company is strengthening the regional manufacturing sector through local supplier partnerships, workforce development initiatives and collaborations with Washington State University’s engineering program and the Camas Robotics Booster Club. UPC is also preparing for a potential Innovation Center focused on aerospace engineering and advanced manufacturing.

• First Citizen Award: Jon Girod, Owner of Quail Homes and Founder of Careers in Construction

Jon Girod is being recognized for his contributions to housing, workforce development and the future of the skilled trades. Since 1989, he has built more than 3,000 homes and developed more than 2,000 lots. He also founded Careers in Construction, a nonprofit that brings skilled-trades education to high school campuses, connecting students with industry-relevant training and career opportunities.

A Celebration of Community Leadership

“Southwest Washington is stronger because of the businesses and leaders who invest their time, resources and expertise in the success of others,” said John McDonagh, president and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. “This year’s honorees represent the very best of our region, from businesses creating opportunities and driving innovation to leaders advancing public service, workforce development and community well-being. We are proud to recognize their achievements and the lasting impact they make throughout our community.”

The awards ceremony took place October 14 at The Heathman Lodge and was livestreamed for a broader audience. The event was made possible through the support of presenting sponsor Riverview Bank, along with Edward Jones, BBSI, Maddox Industrial Transformer, Washington Trust Bank, WSU Vancouver, Alaska Airlines, The Columbian, MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions and Casey Evans Media.

For more information about the Business & Leadership Awards and future sponsorship opportunities, contact GVC at YourChamber@VancouverUSA.com or visit 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 the 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 over 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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