Greater Vancouver Chamber and HAPO Community Credit Union Announce Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes as the 2024 First Citizen Award Honoree 

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER AND HAPO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCE VANCOUVER CITY MANAGER ERIC HOLMES AS THE 2024 FIRST CITIZEN AWARD HONOREE

Celebration of Exceptional Leadership and Civic Engagement to Take Place on October 10th. 

Vancouver, WA - The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), in partnership with HAPO Community Credit Union, is proud to announce Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes as the esteemed recipient of the 2024 First Citizen Award. This prestigious accolade, a time-honored tradition since 1939, recognizes Holmes’ extraordinary contributions to the community, his exemplary leadership, and commitment to civic engagement. 

“At HAPO, we believe in the power of community and the importance of recognizing those who make a difference," said Alaire Hall, Community Development Coordinator at HAPO Community Credit Union. "Presenting the First Citizen Award allows us to honor a remarkable individual whose dedication, leadership, and service inspire us all. We’re proud to stand alongside them in building a brighter future for our community.” 

Holmes’s Impactful Journey 

Eric Holmes, who has served as the City Manager for the City of Vancouver for the past 14 years, has been instrumental in the city’s remarkable transformation. During Eric's term with the city, Vancouver has experienced significant urban growth, a more resilient economy, and an increase in community diversity. As he approaches his retirement this fall, Holmes leaves behind a lasting legacy of community enrichment and professional excellence. 

With over 30 years of progressive public service experience, Holmes has made a profound impact on every community he has served. He began his career as a planner with Clark County in 1993, later serving as Planning Director for the City of Washougal and City Manager for the City of Battle Ground. Since joining Vancouver in 2008 as Economic Development Director and subsequently as City Manager in 2010, Holmes has overseen the city’s population growth to just more than 200,000 and has guided Vancouver to become one of the fastest-growing cities in the state and nation. 

Holmes’s visionary leadership has led to numerous significant projects, including the 2023-2029 Vancouver Strategic Plan, affordable housing initiatives, and the transformation of Vancouver’s Columbia River Waterfront. His commitment to public safety, financial stability, and community development has earned Vancouver recognition as a top place to live by Livability.com and Travel + Leisure. 

Regional and Community Service 

Beyond his role as City Manager, Holmes has contributed to various regional and community initiatives. He has served on the board of directors for the Washington City/County Management Association and is a member of the WSU Vancouver Campus Advisory Council and the Portland State University Local Government Advisory Committee. 

Holmes is known for his community-building efforts, collaborative spirit, and innovative problem-solving. His leadership style, characterized by strategic thinking and a deep commitment to the community’s collective aspirations, has left an indelible mark on Vancouver. 

Celebrating Holmes’s Achievements 

Eric Holmes will be honored during the Greater Vancouver Chamber’s 2024 Business & Leadership Awards ceremony, presented by Riverview Bank, on October 10th, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. This year’s event will celebrate Holmes alongside local businesses and individuals across categories such as Start-Up to Watch, Small Business, Large Business, and Statesperson. 

Community members can participate in the celebration through a live stream on Chamber’s Facebook or attend an exclusive VIP Social event at The Heathman Lodge from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Tickets for the VIP Social can be secured at: https://www.vancouverusa.com/business-leadership-awards/  

“We are honored to host this year’s Business & Leadership Awards and to celebrate individuals like Eric Holmes, whose leadership and dedication have had a transformative impact on our community,” said GVC President & CEO John McDonagh. “This event is a testament to the remarkable achievements and resilience of our local businesses and leaders, and we look forward to sharing this celebration with the entire community.” 

The GVC’s Business & Leadership Awards are made possible by the generous support of 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. To stay updated on the awards ceremony, visit this Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/424619850586641  

For more information about the awards, finalists, and sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Chamber at YourChamber@VancouverUSA.com or visit VancouverUSA.com/Business-Leadership-Awards/.