The First Citizen Award seeks individuals who through their business, volunteering, and philanthropic efforts, improve the lives of those in the community by serving first

The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is delighted to announce the opening of nominations for the 2023 First Citizen Award. This  recognition honors exceptional individuals within our community who exemplify outstanding leadership, dedication, and service, making a profound impact on the growth and well-being of Greater Vancouver.

Now in its 84th edition, the First Citizen Award has become a hallmark award that celebrates the unsung heroes of Clark County. These individuals have garnered regional recognition through their remarkable contributions to their respective professions, dynamic involvement in community activities, and commendable citizenship.  

Throughout the years, the First Citizen recipients have represented a diverse range of backgrounds and accomplishments. From self-made entrepreneurs who not only expanded their businesses locally but also generously dedicated their time and resources to uplift the community, to visionary professionals who have chosen Vancouver as their home and passionately worked towards enhancing the region through their ideals and philanthropic endeavors. 

“We are brimming with immense pride and admiration as we announce the opening of nominations for the 2023 First Citizen Award. We cordially invite everyone to participate in this process by nominating outstanding individuals who have made a meaningful impact on our region,” said GVC President & CEO John McDonagh.  

Nominations are open to all community members, businesses, organizations, and institutions who wish to honor someone deserving of this esteemed recognition. The First Citizen Award seeks individuals who through their business, volunteering, and philanthropic efforts, improve the lives of those in the community by serving first.  

All nominations can be submitted online at: https://yourchamber.typeform.com/to/pA4lQrfy?typeform-source=www.vancouverusa.com. The nomination period closes on Fri., Aug. 11, 2023. A distinguished panel of community leaders will carefully review the submissions, evaluating each candidate’s achievements, contributions, and overall impact on the Greater Vancouver community.

The recipient of the First Citizen Award will be honored during the Chamber’s Business & Leadership Awards, presented by Riverview Bank, which will take place in the Fall of this year. The award ceremony will bring together community members, business leaders, and dignitaries to celebrate the achievements and exceptional dedication of the award recipient.

The GVS’s Business & Leadership Awards are made possible by the generous the support of event sponsors. 

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

About the Business & Leadership Awards

Wanting to recognize those businesses who exemplified the motto of the Greater Vancouver Chamber, Moving Business Forward, the Business & Leadership Awards were first introduced in 2012. For 11 years, the southwest Washington business community has nominated outstanding companies and individuals for recognition. 

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, visit VancouverUSA.com.