Greater Vancouver Chamber Honored for Advocacy by the Association of Washington Business

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER HONORED FOR ADVOCACY BY THE ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON BUSINESS

Chamber recognized as 2025 Grassroots Alliance Advocate of the Year for championing Southwest Washington’s business community

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is proud to announce that it has been named Grassroots Alliance Advocate of the Year by the Association of Washington Business (AWB). This distinguished award recognizes Chambers of Commerce across the state that stand out for their commitment to advocacy on behalf of the business community.

Led by President & CEO John McDonagh, the GVC has consistently demonstrated its commitment to ensuring the voice of business is heard at every level of government. The Chamber keeps members informed on key issues in Olympia and creates exclusive opportunities to engage directly with legislators through roundtables and signature legislative events. Topics addressed include transportation, public safety, workforce development, childcare, taxation, and more.

Each year, the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Government & Public Affairs Committee travel to Olympia to advocate for the region’s Joint Business Priorities, a unified set of policy goals designed to address pressing needs while driving long-term regional growth and innovation. Over the past year, the Chamber has also testified at public hearings and advocated on issues including minimum wage, gift card regulations, and overtime-exempt salary thresholds; always with the goal of strengthening businesses and nonprofits in Southwest Washington.

“This recognition highlights our commitment to being the voice of business at every level of government, and we couldn’t be more proud,” said McDonagh. “This honor motivates us to continue championing practical, business-friendly policies that support economic growth, job creation, and a thriving community.”

The Chamber’s advocacy extends beyond today’s business leaders by investing in the next generation of engaged citizens. Through its annual National Civics Bee® competition, students gain hands-on experience in civic engagement, learning how to make their voices heard and contribute to a stronger democracy.

AWB President Kris Johnson presented the award by surprise to McDonagh at a GVC event on Wednesday, September 24. The announcement came before a room of business leaders and lawmakers gathered to hear about AWB’s “Washington in the Making 2040” initiative.

The Greater Vancouver Chamber is one of two statewide recipients of the 2025 Grassroots Alliance Advocate of the Year Award, alongside the Covington Chamber of Commerce.

To learn more about the GVC’s advocacy efforts, visit:  https://www.vancouverusa.com/advocacy

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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