Business & Leadership Awards Winners

The First Citizen, which started in 1939, is given annually 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. 

2024- Eric Holmes

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.

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.

2023- Kim & Lisa Capeloto

Kim's distinguished career in banking spans over three and a half decades, resonating through the national, regional, and local banking landscape of the Pacific Northwest. His roles in influential organizations like the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, Humane Society for Southwest Washington, the Greater Vancouver Chamber, among others, have solidified his status as a community leader. He has gone beyond by supporting over 40 nonprofit events as an emcee, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars as well as their respective profiles and causes.

Kim's sphere of influence extends further through his dedicated service on boards for Identity Clark County, the School of Piano Technology for the Blind, and various foundations, and committees. These roles don't just signify his dedication but spotlight his prowess in leadership and community engagement.

Lisa Capeloto, equally impressive, radiates philanthropic leadership. With over a decade devoted to event planning, fundraising development, and volunteering, she's lent her efforts to impactful organizations like the PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center Foundation and CDM Caregiving Services. Recently joining CDM Caregiving Services as Development Director, Lisa's role in formulating donor strategies and broadening fundraising initiatives stands as a testament to her commitment.

Together, Kim and Lisa constitute a power force. Kim's work in economic growth and community development pairs perfectly with Lisa's philanthropic endeavors, ensuring a safety net for the most vulnerable in the community.

Both are bound by a shared passion for service, and their combined expertise magnifies their impact, radiating positive change across southwest Washington.

2019 – Ed Barnes

After serving as a private during the Korean conflict, U.S. Army veteran Ed Barnes enjoyed a career with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union. He served as business manager and financial secretary for Local No. 48 for 12 years and retired in 1996. The time he clocked serving his community is just as impressive – building the United Methodist Church in the Shumway neighborhood, serving as the state’s Transportation Commissioner and chairing the I-5 Corridor Committee, serving on a variety of boards including Ronald McDonald House and Open House Ministries Housing Project – to name a few. Barnes has spent his life giving back to Clark County and its residents.

2015 – Nan Henriksen

The first woman elected mayor of Camas, Nan became known for her visionary economic and community planning efforts. She was a leader in reshaping our region’s socioeconomic fabric and brought some of the first high-tech firms to Clark County. All the while, Henriksen raised a family, ran a small business and frequently volunteered. She later led planning efforts at the state level and applied her amazing mediation skills to pass a home-rule charter that modernized our form of county government.

2012 – Patricia “Pat” Jollota

Serving 20 years as a Vancouver City Councilor secured Pat Jollota’s reputation as a dedicated public servant. During her tenure, she championed public safety issues alongside local police officials and raised funds to equip local fire departments with thermal helmet cameras. Jollota also acted as Curator for the Clark County Historical Museum for 20 years, retiring only to become our city’s unofficial historian emeritus. Still, her most personally rewarding moments came while advocating for the safety of abused children with organizations like the Children’s Justice Center and Justice for Children.

2009 – Florence Wager

As a community board member and volunteer, Florence Wager has had tremendous influence on the landscape of Clark County and the City of Vancouver. Her successful advocacy for new parks, community centers, trails, health and fitness over the past 20 years has resulted in a remarkable number of community assets and programs. She played an instrumental role in the renovation of Esther Short Park, the Parks Legacy Program, the Greater Clark Parks District, Chelatchie Rail-Trail project, Firstenburg Community Center and renovated Marshall Community Center, to name just a few of the many projects she has impacted.

2006 – Val Ogden

A lifelong advocate for children, women and the poor, Ogden served 12 years in the state House of Representatives. Her work for nonprofits has included the YWCA and the Camp Fire organization. She was instrumental in the creation of Vancouver’s waterfront trail system, and a resource center at the Washington State School for the Blind bears her name. With husband Dan, Ogden established an endowment for graduate students in public affairs at Washington State University Vancouver.

2003 – Vern Peterson

1999 – John Marshall

1996 – Allan Weinstein

1993 – Harriet Wilson

1990 – Sam Beall

1986 – Helen Raymond

1983 – Harvey O. Flansburg

1980 – Helen Dygert

1977 – Rudy Anderson

1974 – Jack Francis

1971 – Mitchell Bower, Jr.

1968 – Orrin Hathaway

1965 – Bob Avery

1962 – Ed Firstenburg

First Independent bank founder Firstenburg and his wife, Mary have donated millions of dollars to a myriad of Clark County causes. Major donations include gifts to Washington State University Vancouver (the Firstenburg Family Fountain and the Firstenburg Student Commons), Southwest Washington Medical Center (Firstenburg Patient Tower), and funding toward construction of the Firstenburg Community Center.

1959 – Manuel “Manny” Helm

1956 – Charles Sanford Thayer

1953 – Dwight Alderman

1950 – Charles W. Hall

1947 – Dewey Crowley

1944 – Chris Loan

1941 – Joseph E. Hall

2022 – Ron Onslow

Ron Onslow is a familiar face in Clark County and his family name has echoed throughout the Greater Vancouver region since the 1940’s. Ron started his journey at the University of Portland where he received a bachelor’s degree with a major in Business and a minor in Psychology. He got involved in the business community, owning and operating three restaurants and one deli-bakery. On the side, he worked with local clubs and committees, coaching countless youth in swimming, fastpitch softball, and football. Interested in city government, Ron began attending city council meetings. When an opening on the council presented itself, he stepped forward and said he thought he could help, becoming the Mayor of Ridgefield and maintaining the position for 10 years.

2017 – Larry J. Smith

A longtime Vancouver city councilmember who also spent a quarter century serving in the U.S. Army. Smith’s extensive list of community involvement included co-founding the Community Military Appreciation Committee and the Parks Foundation of Clark County, which have respectively benefited local veterans and children. His leadership as a city employee and board member also advanced a number of community resources, including the Firstenburg Community Center, The Historic Trust and Propstra Square at Esther Short Park.

2014 – Twyla Barnes

Barnes’ led the Educational Service District 112 for two decades, focusing on equity for all 30 school districts in southwest Washington. During this time, she inspired fellow leaders and those of the future-her students. Outside education, Twyla served on numerous local nonprofit boards and also contributed to local, state and national committees, including a role as special adviser to the U.S. Department of Education. Steadfast through it all was her ability to lead with class and a friendly, positive attitude.

2011 – H. A. “Hal” Dengerink

As the founding Chancellor of Washington State University Vancouver, Dengerink dramatically increased the availability of higher education in southwest Washington. He also served on the Board of Directors for the PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center and was one of the early leaders in advancing the plans for a new I-5 Columbia River Crossing project. In addition, he influenced our region through leadership roles with several organizations, including the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Vancouver National Trust and the Columbia River Economic Development Council.

2008 – Mark Matthias

2005 – Steve & Jan Oliva

2001 – Al Bauer

The former teacher became known as “Senator Education” during his 20 years in the state Senate, which followed 10 years as a state representative. Bauer spearheaded statewide initiatives to reduce class sizes, increase support for rural school districts and to create a telecommunications network that links the state’s education systems. A Navy veteran, Bauer has been active with the American Legion, the Greater Vancouver Kiwanis Club and the Salmon Creek Grange.

1995 – Bruce E. Hagensen

1998 – Paul Christensen

Founder of Realvest Corp., Christensen has served on the boards of Identity Clark County, One Place Across Time, Leadership Clark County and the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. Founder of the Hough Foundation, and has been affiliated with Columbia River Economic Development Council, Community Housing Resource Center, Downtown Vancouver Association and other agencies and organizations. He was instrumental in raising $1.8 million to build Vancouver’s Goodwill store and training center.

1992 – Ed and Dollie Lynch

The Lynches were the first couple to share First Citizen honors. The Lynches are often mentioned as sources of inspiration for other local philanthropists. The Lynches’ substantial donations to the community include $1 million to the Southwest Washington Medical Center Foundation in 2006. Ed was on the Southwest Washington Medical Center board from 1985 to 1995 and Dollie was a fundraising committee member of the hospital’s foundation. The couple was named “Washington Generals” by Lt. Gov. Brad Owen in recognition of the many contributions the Lynches have made to the community.

1988 – Arch Miller

1985 – Barbara Marshall

1982 – Robert B.J. Bjodstrup

1979 – Peggy Lansverk

1976 – Naida Pithoud

1973 – Lloyd Stromgren

1970 – Jean Lacey

1967 – Larry Hobbs

1964 – Donald Kallstrom

1961 – Gale Bettesworth

1958 – Gene Lynch

1955 – Robert DuBois

1952 – Alvord D. Noble

1949 – E. Norman Purser

1946 – Carl Gustafson

1943 – Howard J. Burnham

1940 – Horace Daniels

2020 -2021- Diana Avalos-Leos

2016 – Robert K. Knight

After two decades of service with the U.S. Army, Knight became commander of the Vancouver Barracks and played a pivotal role in transitioning the base into the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. In 2004, he joined Clark College and soon became president where he led a number of great accomplishments. Bob also volunteered countless hours to local health and economic organizations, and helped organize community events like Vancouver’s 150th anniversary, the George C. Marshall Lecture Series and numerous military commemorations.

2013 – Robert “Bob” Schaefer

Bob Schaefer wove civic involvement into his life, and Vancouver was fortunate to be his home. His career in public office began as the county’s Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and ended as Washington State Speaker of the House. During his long career, Schaefer was instrumental in establishing local state parks. Through his private practice he nurtured our technology industry, grew development east of Interstate 205 and advanced higher education locally. With each accomplishment, he built a reputation for integrity, fair-mindedness and collaboration.

2010 – Royce Pollard

2007 – John White

A land use consultant, White has had a hand in the community’s development in recent decades, including modernizing downtown Vancouver and the location and construction of WSU Vancouver’s campus. White is a member of the Clark College board of trustees, is on the board of directors of Southwest Washington Medical Center, has served on the Clark County Family YMCA Board of Managers and has held leadership roles with several organizations, including the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and the Columbia River Economic Development Council.

2004 – Scott Horenstein

2000 – Leslie Durst

1997 – Raymond Hickey

1994 – Joanne and Bob Kendall

1991 – George Propstra

1987 – Mary Granger

1984 – Sally Schaefer

A past member of the Clark College Board of Trustees, the former educator has given her time and expertise to numerous causes benefiting schools, children, churches, the arts, higher education and social service groups. Schaefer was named Trustee of the Year in 2000 by the Washington State Trustees Association of Community and Technical Colleges and serves on the Southwest Washington Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors.

1981 – John Priel

Former president of First Federal Savings & Loan, Priel served on many boards, including the Elahan Center for Mental Health and Family Living board, the Southwest Washington Hospital Services Board and the Vancouver Salvation Army Board. He was on the Clark County Employment and Training Council, involved with the Chamber of Commerce, the American Red Cross, in a Boy Scouts of America leadership group and was a Fort Vancouver Lions Club president.

1978 – Ethel Lehman

A Vancouver City Council member for 16 years, Lehman was active in numerous organizations, including the Soroptimist Business-Women’s Club, Emil Fries Piano Hospital, YWCA, Share, Council for the Homeless, RSVP, National Council of Jewish Women, Clark County Historical Society, Salvation Army, Hadassah, Humane Society for Southwest Washington and the Greater Vancouver Interfaith Association.

1975 – Helen Patricia “Pat” Walz

1972 – Erwin Rieger

1969 – W. Wayne Holmes

1966 – Bill Marshall

1963 – Freeman Keller

1960 – Lewis D. Cannell

Dr. Cannell was Dean of Clark College from 1935 until his retirement in 1970. Over this thirty-five year period as Dean he was the face of the college to the community. In addition he served as Chairman of the Clark County Planning Commission, headed up a citizen’s committee to build the Vancouver Community Library and belonged to Rotary Club for more than fifty years. Today his name lives on in the Lewis D. Cannell Library on the Clark College campus.

1957 – Raymond Bachman

1954 – George G. Goodrich

1951 – Rudolph A. Luepke

1948 – Louise Ratchford

1945 – Eva Santee

The first woman to be named First Citizen, Santee helped shape library systems in Clark County. As a Camas librarian for eight years, Santee led a drive to have a library building constructed there. While a librarian in Vancouver for 27 years, Santee helped spearhead a bond issue to finance a new Vancouver Regional Library building, which opened in 1963. She served as president of the Pacific Northwest Library Association, and was active in many other organizations.

1942 – Edgar Kaiser

Manager of three Oregon and Washington shipyards during the war, Kaiser was lauded for supplying adequate housing, child care and a pre-paid health plan for workers. The plan opened to the general public in 1945. Kaiser served on the President’s Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity (1960-1971), the President’s Commission on the Status of Women (1962-1964), the President’s Advisory Committee on Labor-Management Policy (1966-1967), and the President’s Advisory Committee on Refugees (1975-1976).

1939 – George Simpson

The original First Citizen, Simpson was a Vancouver city attorney and county judge who was appointed and then elected to the Washington Supreme Court where he served from 1937 to 1951, including two terms as chief justice. Simpson is also remembered as a longtime Scoutmaster, as founder and president of the Clark County Golf and Country Club, first chairman of the Clark County Game Commission and a leader in numerous other civic and service organizations.

The Large Business 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.

2024- Davidson & Associates Insurance
2023- Orchards Grocery Outlet
2022- Vancouver Mall
2021- LSW Architects
2020- ilani
2019- Ginn Group
2018- Silicon Forest Electronics (SFE)
2017- The Columbian
2016- Waste Connections
2015- Columbia Credit Union
2014- New Seasons Market
2013- Riverview Community Bank
2012- The Nutter Corporation

The Greater Vancouver Chamber has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 130 years through business advocacy, community building education, and creating visibility for our members. 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.

2024- Daddy D's Southern Style BBQ
2023- When the Shoe Fits
2022- Evergreen Women's Health
2021- Delta Direct Care
2020- Peninsula Glass
2019- Nom Nom Restaurant & Bar
2018- Matrix Roofing
2017- Chappelle’s Towing
2016- Sweet Spot Skirts
2015- Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt
2014- Mill Creek Pub
2013- Pritchard Orthodontics
2012- Northwest Personal Training

Our piece of SW Washington has been fortunate to welcome new businesses of the last few years. Businesses started by enterprising, enthusiastic, and passionate business people. The Start Up to Watch 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.

2024- RichlandHub
2023- OMW Uptown Market
2022- POP LOCAL
2021- Sprout Partners
2020- Allen Gabriel
2019- WellHaven Pet Health
2018- Why Racing Events
2017- Tri Star Chiropractic & Family Wellness Center
2016- High End Market Place
2015- Trek Global
2014- Fringe Digital Marketing Agency
2013- Pangea Motors *Award debut

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

2024- Rep. Monica Stonier
2023- Mayor Philip Johnson
2022- Representative Paul Harris
2021- Dr. Alan Melnick
2020- Sen. Lynda Wilson
2019- Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle
2018- Greg Kimsey
2017- Brandon Vick
2016- Commissioner: Neil Kimsey
2015- State Senator: Annette Cleveland
2014- Freeholder: Nan Henriksen
2013- County Commissioner: Steve Stuart
2012- State Representative: Tim Probst

Former President/CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber, John S. 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 the nonprofit community. The McKibbin Leadership Legacy Award recognizes an individual each year who similarly demonstrates a positive influence across many sectors of our community.

2021- Jennifer Rhoads
2020- Paul Christensen
2019- Arch Miller
2018- Brent Grening
2017- Lee Rafferty (inaugural year)