Event at the Heathman Lodge celebrated exceptional businesses and leaders

VANCOUVER – The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) announced 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. 

The announcement event, held Thursday at The Heathman Lodge and live-streamed for a broader audience. 

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.” 

For more information on the awards and next year’s sponsorship opportunities, 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.