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 companies and individuals for recognition.

Alumni Winners

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

old man with white hair and blue striped shirt

Clark County’s 2022 First Citizen Award Honoree

Ron Onslow

Business & Leadership Awards' Categories of Recognition

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

John S. McKibbin Leadership Legacy

Former President/CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber, John S. McKibbin, did not restrict his leadership efforts to one single endeavor. Over the course of his professional life, he rose to leadership roles in elected office, business, and the nonprofit community. The McKibbin Leadership Legacy Award recognizes an individual each year who similarly demonstrates a positive influence across many sectors of our community.

Large Business Award

Small Business Award

The Greater Vancouver Chamber has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 130 years through business advocacy, community building education, and creating visibility for our members. It's fitting, then, for us to recognize individual businesses that are in fact, Moving Forward. To celebrate the achievements of a business that is growing quickly in our community, while still maintaining a team of fewer than 25 employees, we recognize them with the Small Business of the Year Award.

Start Up to Watch Award

Statesperson Award

Working collaboratively with our local, state, and federal elected officials is critical to providing the best possible, business-friendly environment. 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.

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)