Prestigious honor to recognize an individual whose leadership, volunteerism, and philanthropy have made a lasting impact in Southwest Washington

VANCOUVER – The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is pleased to announce it is accepting nominations for the 2025 First Citizen Award, presented by HAPO Community Credit Union. This prestigious accolade honors a distinguished individual whose long-standing commitment to their profession and community has created a meaningful and lasting impact in Southwest Washington.  

Now in its 86th year, the First Citizen Award celebrates individuals who, over the course of their career, have consistently demonstrated leadership, service, and/or civic engagement – individuals whose business, volunteerism, and philanthropy have not only elevated their industry but also improved the lives of others. The First Citizen is someone who has dedicated decades to serving first. 

“This award is about more than accomplishments; it’s about the heart behind the impact. Each First Citizen nominee should represent the spirit of Southwest Washington: generous, driven, and deeply invested in the well-being of their neighbors,” said John McDonagh, president & CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. 

Community members, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to nominate outstanding individuals who exemplify the values of the First Citizen Award.  

To submit a nomination, please visit https://form.jotform.com/250825922066054. The deadline for nominations is Thursday, August 14, 2025. A distinguished panel of community leaders will evaluate the submissions, assessing each candidate’s impact, achievements, and overall contributions.  

The recipient of the 2025 First Citizen Award will be honored during the Greater Vancouver Chamber’s Business & Leadership Awards, presented by Riverview Bank, this fall. This signature event will gather hundreds of business professionals, civic leaders, and community members to recognize and celebrate excellence in leadership across the region. 

The Business & Leadership Awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Riverview Bank and supporting sponsors HAPO Community Credit Union, Washington Trust Bank, PeaceHealth, Alaska Airlines, Maddox Industrial Transformer, Perkins & Co, BBSI, Opsahl Dawson, and MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions. 

For more details about the Business & Leadership Awards, the nomination process, award criteria, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Chamber at YourChamber@VancouverUSA.com or visit https://www.vancouverusa.com/business-leadership-awards/. To explore past First Citizen Award honorees, visit https://www.vancouverusa.com/business-leadership-awards-winners/.    

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.