2020 Business & Leadership Awards

Recognizing Local Businesses & Individuals:
During the Livestream, out of the three finalists in each category listed below, one winner will be announced. Please keep in mind that only Chamber Members are eligible to win. Finalists are listed in no particular order.

John S. McKibbin Leadership Legacy Award

Award Sponsored by Riverview Community Bank: Former President/CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, John 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 in the nonprofit community. This award recognizes an individual each year who similarly demonstrates a positive influence across many sectors of our community.

          2020 Finalists:

          • Paul Christensen, President of Realvest Corporation  

          • Stacey Graham, Executive Director of the SW Washington Humane Society  

          • Barbe West, Executive Director of the SW Washington Accountable Communities of Health 

         
2020 Winner: Paul Christensen, President of Realvest Corporation  

Statesperson of the Year Award

Award Sponsored by PacificSource: Working collaboratively with our local, state, and federal elected officials is critical to provide the best possible business-friendly environment. This award honors the memory of Bill Fromhold, former Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce President/CEO as well as State Representative, by recognizing an elected official who represents the interest of business along with their overall community priorities.

          2020 Finalists:

          • Jane Van Dyke, Clark Public Utilities Commissioner

          • Ron Onslow, City Counsilor for the City of Ridgefield

          • Lynda Wilson, Senator for the 17th Legislative District
 

2020 Winner: Lynda Wilson, Senator for the 17th Legislative District  

Community Champion Award

Award Sponsored by PeaceHealth: Leadership is a critical success factor whether for a business, a membership organization, or a community. Donna Cantonwine demonstrated her Community Champion skill-set while at the helm of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce. Her "can do" attitude set an example for the rest of us for making sure surrounding business priorities are accomplished. Honoring that unique style, we single out a community member (company or individual) that is not only actively contributing int he community but also acting as a role model like only a Champion can.

          2020 Finalists:

          • Columbia Bank

          • WellHaven Pet Health

          • NW Association for Blind Athletes

2020 Winner: WellHaven Pet Health  

Start-Up To Watch

Award Sponsored by Mackenzie.: Our piece of SW Washington has been blessed these last few years with a host of new businesses. Businesses started by enterprising, enthusiastic, and passionate business people. This award looks at those businesses that are up to their first five years and recognizes one that is emblematic of tenacity, vision, and strong business practices.

          2020 Finalists:

          • Killa Bites

          • Elements

          • Dr. Allen Gabriel
 

2020 Winner: Allen Gabriel, MD 
 

Small Business of the Year Award

Award Sponsored by HAPO Community Credit Union: Moving Business Forward has been the motto of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce for some time. 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.

          2020 Finalists:

          • Wager Audio

          • NW Personal Training

          • Peninsula Glass
 

2020 Winner: Peninsula Glass 

Large Business of the Year Award

Award Sponsored by Perkins & Co.: The Large Business of the Year Award is given to an organization growing in market share, growing in sales, creating more jobs for our community, and giving back in a way that helps make our community thrive. We will recognize a business with over 25 employees that has made positive changes in SW Washington within the past year.

          2020 Finalists:

          • ilani

          • Beacock Music

          • Vancouver Mall  

2020 Winner: ilani