Business & Leadership Awards

Featuring the First Citizen Award

Let's celebrate business! Wanting to recognize those businesses who exemplified the motto of the Greater Vancouver Chamber, Moving Business Forward, the Business & Leadership Awards were first introduced in 2012. For 10 years, the southwest Washington business community has nominated outstanding GVC Member companies and individuals for recognition.

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TWO WAYS TO CELEBRATE!

Community members can join the excitement through a live-streamed award ceremony on Facebook Live on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., or they can experience the awards in person during an exclusive VIP Social. Click below to let us know you’re tuning in, and we’ll send you event updates!

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Attend to the VIP Social!

Adding an in person option to the occasion, community members can participate in the celebration firsthand this year. An exclusive VIP Social event at The Heathman Lodge from 4 PM to 6 PM on October 9th promises an emotional experience of jubilation, as we gather to watch the awards unfold and raise a collective toast to the achievements of these business finalists. Get your tickets now!

VIP Social Access for One | GVC Member

$ 50.00

Ticket provides VIP Social Access for ONE individual for the 2025 Business and Leadership Awards, presented by Riverview Bank.

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VIP Social Access for One | Non-Member

$ 75.00

Ticket provides VIP Social Access for ONE individual for the 2025 Business and Leadership Awards, presented by Riverview Bank.

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First Citizen Award

Help us recognize exemplary leaders who positively impact our community!

Since 1939, the annual First Citizen Award is 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. 

First Citizens Through the Years

Clark County’s 2024 First Citizen Award Honoree

Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes

Learn more about Holmes’s Impactful Journey

Business & Leadership Awards' Categories of Recognition & Criteria

Our premiere awards ceremony, the annual Business & Leadership Awards celebrates both GVC Member businesses and community leaders for their accomplishments in the previous year across five categories.

First Citizen Award

Since 1939, the First Citizen Award has honored a distinguished individual whose long-standing commitment to their profession and community has created a meaningful and lasting impact. This recognition is reserved for those who, over the course of their career, have consistently demonstrated leadership, service, and/or civic engagement - individuals whose business, volunteerism, and philanthropy have not only elevated their industry but also improved the lives of others. The First Citizen is someone who has dedicated decades to serving first.

Large Business Award

The Large Business of the Year Award is given to an organization with more than 25 employees. This business will likely be growing in market share and total sales year over year. The business will be creating more jobs for our community due to their growth. Additionally, the business will be acknowledged for being a great place to work and for delivering products or services which provide great value to their customers. Many of our previous honorees in this category are also well know for their willingness to give back in a way that helps our community thrive.

Small Business Award

The Small Business of the Year Award is given to an organization with 25 or fewer employees. This business will likely be growing in market share and total sales year over year. The business will be creating more jobs for our community due to their growth. Additionally, the business will be acknowledged for being a great place to work and for delivering products or services which provide great value to their customers. Many of our previous honorees in this category are also well know for their willingness to give back in a way that helps our community thrive.

Start Up to Watch Award

This award honors businesses started by enterprising, enthusiastic, and passionate business people. This award considers those who have been in business up to five years and recognizes one that is emblematic of tenacity, vision, and strong business practices. The business will have demonstrated success consistent with their initial business plan and will employ at least one additional person other than the founder.

Statesperson of the Year Award

This award honors elected individuals who represent the interest of business along with their overall community priorities and responsibilities. Nominees must currently be in an elected position, in any of the Clark County municipalities or jurisdictions. The nominator should be able to articulate the manner the elected official represented the interests of business within their jurisdiction or in the business community as a whole. The Statesperson Award honors the memory of Bill Fromhold, former Greater Vancouver Chamber President/CEO as well as State Representative, by recognizing an elected official who represents the interest of business along with their overall community priorities.

Manufacturer of the Year Award

Past GVC Awards

Community Champion

2021- Horenstein Law Group
2020- WellHaven Pet Health
2019- Corwin Beverage Company
2018- Dellan Redjou (Share)
2017- Mark Matthias & Ali Novinger (Beaches / Warehouse ‘23)
2016- Ben Bagherpour (SEH America)
2015- Scott Campbell (Waste Connections)
2014- Tom Hagley Jr. (Vancouver Public Schools)
2013- Billy Henry (Northwest Association for Blind Athletes)
2012- Ben Hoskins (1-800 GOT JUNK / You Move Me)