September 15, 2025

Press Release

Greater Vancouver Chamber Announces Finalists for 2025 Business & Leadership Awards

Greater Vancouver Chamber

Share

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR 2025 BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP AWARDS


Two Ways to Celebrate: Live-Streamed Ceremony and In-Person VIP Social, Presented by Riverview Bank, Set for October 9, 2025


VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Business & Leadership Awards, presented by Riverview Bank. These awards spotlight outstanding businesses and visionary leaders who have significantly contributed to the vitality and progress of Southwest Washington over the past year.


This year, the celebration offers two ways to participate. Community members can tune in to a live-streamed awards ceremony on Facebook Live on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., or join the excitement in person at an exclusive VIP Social at The Heathman Lodge from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.


Since 2012, the Business & Leadership Awards have honored excellence across the region, showcasing companies and individuals who embody the Chamber’s motto of Moving Business Forward. For 2025, finalists are recognized in five categories: Start-Up to Watch, Small Business, Large Business, Statesperson, and the newly added Manufacturer of the Year.


The finalists are:


Start-Up to Watch (in the last 5 years):

  • AC Hotel
  • OnPoint Removal Services
  • The VIC (Vancouver Innovation Center)


Small Business (up to 25 employees):

  • NW Escape Experience
  • SGA Engineering
  • The Difference


Large Business (more than 25 employees):

  • Crumbl Cookies
  • GRO
  • Live Nation


Statesperson:

  • Rep. David Stuebe, 17th Legislative District
  • Greg Johnson, Interstate Bridge Replacement Program
  • Rep. Kevin Waters, 17th Legislative District


Manufacturer of the Year:

  • One Day Glass
  • Ryonet
  • Wolf Industries


“Each year, the Business & Leadership Awards shine a light on the organizations and leaders whose vision, innovation, and dedication are moving our region forward,” said John McDonagh, President & CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. “This year’s finalists represent the very best of Southwest Washington’s business community, from startups with bold new ideas to established companies driving growth, and individuals whose leadership makes a lasting difference. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the impact they have on our community.”


The Business & Leadership Awards Livestream will also spotlight Clark County’s 2025 First Citizen Award honorees, David and Patricia Nierenberg. Presented by HAPO Community Credit Union, this prestigious award celebrates individuals whose leadership, volunteerism, and philanthropy have left a lasting mark on our community.


Tickets for the in-person VIP Social at The Heathman Lodge are available now at: https://www.vancouverusa.com/business-leadership-awards.


The GVC’s Business & Leadership Awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of Riverview Bank and additional sponsors, including HAPO Community Credit Union, Maddox Industrial Transformer, Washington Trust Bank, WSU Vancouver, PeaceHealth, Alaska Airlines, BBSI, Opsahl Dawson, Perkins & Co, The Columbian, and MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions.


Stay updated and save the date for the live awards ceremony by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/events/747907797846881 



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. 


Press Release Contact
Lourdes Salmonte Ulrich
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Phone: 360.567.1058
Email Lourdes