Greater Vancouver Chamber Now Accepting Nominations for 2026 Iris Awards Honoring Women of Achievement

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR 2026 IRIS AWARDS HONORING WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

Award recipients to be celebrated at the Iris Awards Luncheon, a signature event of GVC’s Inspire HER Conference

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), in partnership with Presenting Sponsor Riverview Bank, announces that nominations are now open for the 2026 Iris Awards, one of southwest Washington’s most distinguished honors recognizing women who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, philanthropy, and community impact.

Originally launched in 1985 as the Women of Achievement awards and reintroduced as the Iris Awards in 2012, this long-standing program continues to uplift women whose influence strengthens the region’s economy, nonprofit sector, and communities.

Award recipients will be celebrated at the Iris Awards Luncheon on Thursday, March 12, 2026, held during GVC’s Inspire HER Conference, a premier leadership event dedicated to celebrating and empowering professional women across all industries.

“Each year, the Iris Awards shine a light on women whose leadership, vision, and service strengthen the fabric of our region. These honorees remind us what’s possible when passion meets purpose. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and to invite our community to help us recognize the women who make southwest Washington a better place to live, work, and thrive,” said John McDonagh, President & CEO at the Greater Vancouver Chamber.

Nominations for the 2026 Iris Awards are open to the public, and submissions may be made online at VancouverUSA.com/Iris-Awards. The nomination deadline is Saturday, January 31, 2026. To explore past honorees and learn more about the program’s legacy, visit VancouverUSA.com/Blog/Iris-Award-Honorees-1985-Present.

The 2026 Iris Awards Luncheon is presented by Riverview Bank, with support from Award Sponsors Legacy Health and OnPoint Community Credit Union. For event details, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket information for the Inspire HER Conference and Iris Awards Luncheon, visit VancouverUSA.com/Inspire-Her.

About the Iris Awards

Wanting to recognize women of achievement in southwest Washington who exemplified leadership, philanthropy and community service was the inspiration for what is today the Iris Awards. This recognition program was launched in 1985 as Women of Achievement. For 40 years, the southwest Washington community has nominated outstanding women for recognition. The Iris Award was 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 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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