Community members are invited to nominate individuals whose lifelong leadership, service, and generosity have strengthened Southwest Washington

VANCOUVER — The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 First Citizen Award, one of Southwest Washington’s longest-standing and most prestigious community honors. For 87 years, the award has recognized individuals whose exceptional leadership, service, and commitment have left a lasting legacy throughout the region.

The First Citizen Award honors individuals who have dedicated their careers to strengthening Southwest Washington through professional excellence, civic leadership, volunteerism, and philanthropy. More than a recognition of achievement, the award celebrates those whose lifelong commitment to serving others has made a meaningful difference in the community.

“This award is about more than accomplishments – it recognizes the character, generosity, and leadership that inspire lasting change,” said John McDonagh, President & CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. “Each nominee should reflect the very best of Southwest Washington by demonstrating a lifelong commitment to strengthening our community and improving the lives of others.”

The Greater Vancouver Chamber invites community members, businesses, and organizations to nominate individuals whose leadership and service exemplify the spirit of the First Citizen Award.

Nominations are open through Friday, August 28, 2026. A distinguished panel of community leaders will review submissions based on each nominee’s lasting impact, professional accomplishments, civic engagement, and contributions to Southwest Washington.

Nomination forms and award criteria are available at VancouverUSA.com/Business-Leadership-Awards.

The 2026 First Citizen Award recipient will be honored during the Business & Leadership Awards, presented by Riverview Bank, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at The Heathman Lodge. The annual celebration brings together hundreds of business, nonprofit, and civic leaders to recognize individuals and organizations making an extraordinary impact across the region.

The Business & Leadership Awards are made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Riverview Bank, along with Washington State University Vancouver, Washington Trust Bank, Maddox Industrial Transformer, Alaska Airlines, The Columbian, BBSI, and MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions.

For additional information about the Business & Leadership Awards, nomination criteria, sponsorship opportunities, or the First Citizen Award, contact the Greater Vancouver Chamber at YourChamber@VancouverUSA.com or visit VancouverUSA.com/Business-Leadership-Awards. To view past First Citizen Award recipients, visit VancouverUSA.com/First-Citizen-Award-Honorees.

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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 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 135 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.