Greater Vancouver Chamber Announces 2024 Business & Leadership Awards Honorees

 GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2024 BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP AWARD HONOREES 

Celebrating Exceptional Businesses and Leaders at The Heathman Lodge 

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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 

• Start-Up to Watch: RichlandHUB Coffee 

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. 

•  Small Business Award: Daddy D's Southern Style BBQ

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. 

•  Large Business Award: Davidson & Associates Insurance 

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. 

•  Statesperson of the Year: Rep. Monica Stonier (49th Legislative District) 

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. 

• First Citizen Award: Eric Holmes 

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/.