Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2024
GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER'S INSPIRE HER CONFERENCE RETURNS FOR ITS SECOND YEAR WITH JOHNSON BIXBY AS PRESENTING SPONSOR
Empowering Leadership Event to Feature Renowned Speakers, Breakout Sessions, Networking, and the Prestigious Iris Awards Honoring Women of Achievement
Vancouver, WA - The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is excited to announce that the Inspire HER Conference is returning for its second year, with Johnson Bixby as the Presenting Sponsor. This leadership event, set for March 13, 2025, at the Hilton Vancouver Washington, promises a full day of inspiration, education, and connection for professionals across Southwest Washington.
The Inspire HER Conference celebrates and uplifts professional women while fostering inclusivity and growth, welcoming participants of all genders, experience levels, and industries. With over 700 professionals expected to attend, the event will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and the prestigious Iris Awards, which honor women of remarkable achievement in the region. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with local businesses showcasing their products and services at vendor booths.
Johnson Bixby, a Vancouver-based financial planning firm, has long been committed to helping individuals, couples, and families see opportunities and plan for life’s possibilities. With expertise in financial planning and portfolio management, they provide thoughtful, strategic advice and services to help clients achieve their long-term goals.
“We know that when we empower people – especially women – with what they need to make informed decisions about their finances, entire families and communities are able to live their best lives,” said Heidi Johnson Bixby, CFP®, President and CEO of Johnson Bixby. “We are thrilled to invest in and be a part of the Inspire HER community and it’s a privilege to partner with the Greater Vancouver Chamber for this momentous event.”
“We are excited to welcome Johnson Bixby as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2025 Inspire HER Conference,” said Janet Kenefsky, Vice President at GVC. “Their dedication to fostering partnerships, strengthening communities, and empowering individuals resonates deeply with the purpose of this event. We encourage professionals from across Southwest Washington to join us for a day filled with inspiration, professional growth, and meaningful connections.”
This year’s conference will feature Kate Byars, Founder of The Goodlife Institute and Creator of the Corporate Women Unleashed program, as the keynote speaker. A two-time Inc. 500 founder and three-time American Business Stevie Award winner, Byars is nationally recognized as one of the most influential voices in leadership and business, with accolades in Women Helping Women, Women in Business, and Female Entrepreneur of the Year categories.
The conference kicks off at 8:00 AM and concludes at 4:00 PM, followed by the highly anticipated Women & Wine Reception, featuring wines crafted by female winemakers and offering a relaxed environment for further networking and collaboration.
A highlight of the event will be the 2025 Iris Awards Luncheon, honoring exceptional women in Southwest Washington for their achievements in professional excellence, community service, philanthropy, and leadership.
Tickets and VIP tables for the Inspire HER Conference are now available. To reserve your spot or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit the official event website at: https://www.vancouverusa.com/inspireherconference/ for full details and registration.
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.
About the Iris Awards
Wanting to recognize women of achievement in Southwest Washington who exemplified leadership, philanthropy, and community service was the inspiration for the Iris Awards in 1985. For 39 years, the southwest Washington community has nominated outstanding women for recognition. The Iris Award is 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.
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Media Assets
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1X9TBhJOiH8t1UISy7pUEhbu24AuyHwid?usp=sharing
Official Program Link
https://www.vancouverusa.com/inspireherconference/https://www.vancouverusa.com/inspireherconference/
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2024
GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2024 BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP AWARD HONOREES
Celebrating Exceptional Businesses and Leaders at The Heathman Lodge
Vancouver, WA – The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Business & Leadership Awards, presented by Riverview Bank. These esteemed awards recognize businesses and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the economic growth and vibrancy of southwest Washington.
2024 Award Recipients
RichlandHUB Coffee, located in Uptown Vancouver, was honored with the Start-Up to Watch Award. Beyond offering premium coffee, RichlandHUB’s owner James Mbuya and his team are committed to improving the lives of farmers and their communities in rural Tanzania. Each purchase helps fund essential services like healthcare clinics, embodying their mission to make a meaningful impact.
Daddy D’s Southern Style BBQ earned the Small Business Award for its impressive growth and commitment to community service. Owner Donnie Vercher's unwavering support for the local community—through charity events, local initiatives, and collaborations—has turned Daddy D’s into both a local favorite and a pillar of community spirit.
Davidson & Associates Insurance received the Large Business Award for its longstanding dedication to both providing trustworthy services and uplifting the Clark County community. Through decades of service, their commitment to ethical business practices and public service has fostered a tight-knit community spirit, helping Vancouver flourish.
Rep. Monica Stonier was named Statesperson of the Year for her work supporting the hospitality sector, expanding financial education for students, and addressing generational poverty in Washington State. Her dedication to public service and community development made her a deserving recipient of this honor.
Former Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes was recognized as the 2024 First Citizen for his transformative leadership in community growth, inclusivity, and advocacy. Reflecting on the award, Holmes said, “It has been a tremendous and unexpected honor to be selected as First Citizen. I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve the community. I am even more grateful to be able to continue to live here with my family and enjoy what a remarkable place it is.”
Holmes added, “Great cities don’t become great by accident,” and urged attendees to come together as a community, working collectively to ensure that Vancouver and all of Clark County continue to grow, thrive, and become the best they can be.
Janet Kenefsky, GVC Vice President of Operations, praised the honorees, saying, "The 2024 Business & Leadership Awards highlight the innovation, dedication, and collaborative spirit that define our region. We are proud to celebrate these remarkable businesses and individuals who are making a lasting impact on our local economy and community.”
The event, held on October 10th at The Heathman Lodge and live-streamed for a broader audience, was supported by generous sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Riverview Bank, and additional sponsors such as HAPO Community Credit Union, Maddox Industrial Transformer, PacificSource Health Plans, Perkins & Co, Washington Trust Bank, The Columbian, GRO, Touchmark, Bartlett Tree Experts, City of Vancouver, Gesa Credit Union, iQ Credit Union, MacKay Sposito, Mackenzie, Northwest Business Development Association (NWBDA), Port of Vancouver USA, and WaFd Bank.
For more information on the awards and next year’s sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Chamber at YourChamber@VancouverUSA.com or visit 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.
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Media Assets
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fy3ap7dbtqoigI_p75-h42iYVHRA25dD?usp=sharing
Official Program Link
Business & Leadership Awards
Other Link
Business & Leadership Awards Video