Greater Vancouver Chamber Announces Finalists For 2026 Business & Leadership Awards (Photo) - 09/15/26
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2026
GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR 2026 BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP AWARDS
Awards celebration, presented by Riverview Bank, set for October 14 at The Heathman Lodge
VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Business & Leadership Awards, presented by Riverview Bank. The annual awards recognize exceptional businesses, leaders, and manufacturers whose innovation, leadership, and contributions are helping shape a strong and thriving Southwest Washington.
Established in 2012, the Business & Leadership Awards shine a spotlight on the people and organizations moving the region forward and embodying the Greater Vancouver Chamber's motto of "Moving Business Forward." This year's finalists represent a diverse cross-section of Southwest Washington's business community and are recognized in five categories: Start-Up to Watch, Small Business, Large Business, Statesperson, and Manufacturer of the Year.
The 2026 finalists are:
Start-Up to Watch — In Business Five Years or Less
- School of Rock Vancouver
- Tipsy Chicks
- Wash Kings Car Wash
Small Business — Up to 25 Employees
- Blaze Restoration
- ANC Movers
- Kafiex Roasters
Large Business — More Than 25 Employees
- McCord's Vancouver Toyota
- El Gaucho Vancouver
- MacKay
Statesperson of the Year
- Alishia Topper, Clark County Treasurer
- Katie Favela, City of Ridgefield Councilmember
- Rep. Peter Abbarno, 20th Legislative District
Manufacturer of the Year
- Omega Industries
- The Last U.S. Bag Co.
- United Precision Corporation
"This year's finalists reflect the incredible range of talent, innovation, and dedication that exists throughout our business community," said John McDonagh, President & CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. "From entrepreneurs building new businesses to established companies investing in our region and all creating jobs, these organizations and individuals are making a meaningful difference in Southwest Washington. We look forward to bringing the community together to celebrate their achievements and recognize the people who continue to move our region forward."
The community is invited to celebrate this year's finalists and honorees on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Heathman Lodge during an in-person awards celebration and VIP Social.
The Business & Leadership Awards will also recognize Clark County's 2026 First Citizen Award honoree, Jon Girod, owner of Quail Homes and founder of Careers in Construction. Presented by Edward Jones, the First Citizen Award is one of Southwest Washington's longest-standing community honors and recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, volunteerism, and philanthropy have made a lasting impact on the community.
Tickets for the 2026 Business & Leadership Awards VIP Social at The Heathman Lodge are available at VancouverUSA.com/Business-Leadership-Awards.
The Greater Vancouver Chamber's Business & Leadership Awards are made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Riverview Bank, along with Edward Jones, BBSI, Maddox Industrial Transformer, Washington Trust Bank, WSU Vancouver, Alaska Airlines, The Columbian, and MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions.
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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.
