PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 27, 2024
GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR 2024 BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP AWARDS
Two Ways to Celebrate: Live-Streamed Ceremony and In-Person VIP Social, Presented by Riverview Bank, Set for October 10, 2024.
Vancouver, WA – The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is excited to announce the finalists for the 2024 Business & Leadership Awards, proudly presented by Riverview Bank. This event shines a spotlight on the exceptional businesses and visionary leaders who have significantly contributed to the thriving Southwest Washington community over the past year.
This year, the celebration offers two ways to participate. Community members can join the excitement through a live-streamed event on Facebook Live on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., or they can experience the awards in person during an exclusive VIP Social.
Since its inception in 2012, the GVC’s Business & Leadership Awards have celebrated exceptional companies and individuals driving the growth and progress of the Southwest Washington region. This year’s awards will highlight finalists in four categories: Start-Up to Watch, Small Business, Large Business, and Statesperson.
The finalists for the 2024 Business & Leadership Awards are:
Start-Up to Watch (in the last 5 years):
- Harper & Gracie Mobile Drinkeries
- NW Premier – Creative Financial Solutions
- RichlandHUB
Small Business (up to 25 employees):
- ARKTANA
- Daddy D’s Southern Style BBQ
- Treasure Investments | Foundry Michelangelo
Large Business (more than 25 employees):
- Davidson & Associates Insurance
- Foode Cafe & Catering
- Maddox Industrial Transformer
Statesperson:
- Jack Burkman, Vice President, Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners
- Rep. Greg Cheney, 18th Legislative District
- Rep. Monica Stonier, 49th Legislative District
"At the Greater Vancouver Chamber, we are honored to celebrate the remarkable individuals and businesses that drive our community forward. As we gather to applaud their contributions, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a thriving business environment and a vibrant community. Congratulations to all our finalists for their outstanding achievements and their role in shaping our region's future," expressed GVC President & CEO John McDonagh.
The Business & Leadership Awards Livestream will also feature the introduction of Clark County’s 2024 First Citizen Award recipient, Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes. This distinguished award, sponsored by HAPO Community Credit Union, recognizes an individual who embodies outstanding citizenship, making a profound impact in our community through their achievements, volunteerism, and philanthropic contributions.
Adding an in-person element to the celebration, the VIP Social event at The Heathman Lodge from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on October 10th will offer an exclusive opportunity for community members to gather, celebrate, and toast the achievements of these outstanding finalists. Tickets for this event are available at https://vancouverusa.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/24716.
The GVC’s Business & Leadership Awards are made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, including Riverview Bank, Maddox Industrial Transformer, HAPO Community Credit Union, PacificSource Health Plans, Perkins & Co, Washington Trust Bank, The Columbian, GRO, and Touchmark at Fairway Village. Stay updated and save the date for the live awards ceremony by visiting https://www.facebook.com/events/424619850586641.
For more details on the awards, finalists, and sponsorship opportunities, contact the Chamber at YourChamber@VancouverUSA.com or visit https://www.vancouverusa.com/business-leadership-awards/.
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/business-leadership-wards-winners/
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 130 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.
###
Official Event Link
https://www.vancouverusa.com/business-leadership-awards/
Get Tickets for VIP Social
https://vancouverusa.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/24716
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 13, 2024
GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER LAUNCHES EXCELLENCE FOR NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP (ENL) PROGRAM
Intensive 3-Day, 9-Session Course Aims to Empower Nonprofit Leaders and Elevate Professional Standards
Vancouver, WA – The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Excellence for Nonprofit Leadership (ENL) Program, beginning this October. Supported by The Firstenburg Foundation and Clark County Washington, this in-depth training program is specifically designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations and elevate professional standards across the sector.
The ENL program provides a comprehensive 3-day, 9-session course that covers key areas essential for nonprofit success. Participants will gain expertise in core topics including Nonprofit Management, Organizational Assessment, Governance & Leadership, Human Capital, Marketing and Communications, Finance, Strategic Planning, Legal, and Fund Development. The program will take place over three consecutive Wednesdays: October 30th, November 20th, and December 18th.
Designed for current and aspiring nonprofit leaders, the program is ideal for individuals involved in succession planning, executive committees, such as Board Chairs or incoming Board Chairs, and executive boards of all-volunteer nonprofits.
"Our growing community in Southwest Washington needs more access to leadership roles," said Janet Kenefsky, Vice President of Membership & Operations for the Greater Vancouver Chamber. "This program is designed to provide the essential training to help our nonprofit leaders to thrive. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, I am deeply committed to supporting both business and nonprofit sectors in fostering a vibrant community. A key priority is increasing diversity in leadership roles within Clark County's nonprofit sector, ensuring that nonprofits reflect the communities they serve. By doing so, these organizations can maximize their impact and more effectively fulfill their missions. Our goal is to build a pool of qualified applicants ready to lead with purpose and knowledge, eliminating the need for extended interim directors."
The program's mission is to elevate professional standards and boost the capacity of nonprofit organizations in the region. By offering strategic and technical support, the initiative aims to cultivate a pipeline of leadership-ready candidates, strengthening the nonprofit sector's ability to achieve its goals.
To ensure the program is accessible and affordable, the Chamber and its partners are offering scholarships to professionals and organizations in need. These scholarships will remove financial and logistical barriers, enabling nonprofits of all sizes to benefit from high-quality leadership training.
Jennifer Rhoads of The Firstenburg Foundation expressed enthusiasm for the program, stating, "We are dedicated to supporting future leaders within our nonprofit sector, especially for our culturally specific and by/for organizations, small nonprofits and grassroots organizations. The Excellence for Nonprofit Leadership program will provide access to educational resources for individuals at all levels of an organization from volunteer to the executive director position.”
For more information about the Excellence for Nonprofit Leadership program or to apply, please visit https://www.vancouverusa.com/excellence-for-nonprofit-leadership-enl/ or contact the Chamber at YourChamber@VancouverUSA.com.
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 130 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.
###
Official Program Link
Excellence for Nonprofit Leadership Program
Program Application Link
https://yourchamber.typeform.com/to/bJcraKzb?typeform-source=www.vancouverusa.com