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Greater Vancouver Chamber Honored as Partner of the Year by Clark County Association of REALTORS(R) (Photo) - 12/05/24

Press Release  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
December 5, 2024 

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER HONORED AS PARTNER OF THE YEAR BY CLARK COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 

The award was presented during the 2024 Leadership Legends Installation & Awards Ceremony, held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront. 

Vancouver, WA- The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is proud to announce it was recognized Wednesday as the 2024 Partner of the Year by the Clark County Association of REALTORS® (CCAR). This prestigious award, presented by Heather Renner, President of the CCRA, honors organizations that demonstrate outstanding support for REALTOR® issues, community affairs, and advocacy efforts that enhance the real estate industry. 

The award was presented during the 2024 Leadership Legends Installation & Awards Ceremony, held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront. The annual event celebrates individuals and organizations that exemplify exceptional service, ethics, and dedication to advancing the real estate profession and supporting the community. 

“We are deeply honored to be recognized as the Partner of the Year award from the Clark County Association of REALTORS®,” said Janet Kenefsky, Vice President of Membership and Operations for the Greater Vancouver Chamber. “Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and this award is a testament to the incredible partnerships that drive positive change in our community. The Chamber is proud to work alongside CCAR in making Clark County a better place for businesses and residents alike.”

For 16 years, CCAR’s awards of achievement have highlighted individuals and organizations that embody integrity, professionalism, and service. Recipients are celebrated for their commitment to excellence, whether working behind the scenes or leading from the front. 

In addition to Partner of the Year, other awards presented during the ceremony included: 

  • Affiliate of the Year 
  • Community Service Award 
  • REALTOR® Achievement Award 
  • REALTOR® Horizon Award 
  • Citizen of the Year 
  • REALTOR® of the Year 

For more information about the awards, visit: https://ccrealtors.com/get-involved/realtor-awards-nominations/?doing_wp_cron=1733343281.9546890258789062500000  

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 

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Media Assets
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cznJAUAUNjeQzQfwPEj6NH2FALduKNyL?usp=sharing

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Media Advisory: 2025 Legislative Outlook (Photo) - 11/21/24

EVENT PRESS RELEASE  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
November 21, 2024

MEDIA ADVISORY: 2025 Legislative Outlook

WHAT: 2025 Legislative Outlook, presented by Port of Vancouver USA

BACKGROUND: Join us for an exclusive opportunity to gain insights into legislative changes impacting the growth of businesses in southwest Washington. Hosted by the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC), and Identity Clark County (ICC), this event will feature Washington State senators and representatives from the 17th, 18th, 20th, and 49th Legislative Districts.

Discover the top priorities that will shape the upcoming legislative session, covering critical areas such as transportation, law enforcement, economic development, public safety, workforce, and the environment. 

The doors will open at 8:45 AM, providing an excellent opportunity for media representatives and over 400 area professionals to network and engage in meaningful discussions with industry leaders and executives over coffee. The event will proceed with a dynamic panel-style discussion at 9:00 AM, fostering an interactive atmosphere where participants can ask pressing questions and engage with local legislators directly.  

WHEN: Thursday, December 5th

WHERE: Hilton Vancouver Washington

TIME: 8:45 am - 10:30 am (Media Check-In: 8:45am)

EVENT LINK: 2025 Legislative Outlook

RSVP: To plan appropriately, please let us know if you will be able to attend as a media representative by emailing lsalmonte@vancouverusa.com

SUBMIT QUESTIONS: If you would like to submit questions for the Q&A portion of the event, please visit: https://form.jotform.com/243235789956171

 

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

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Greater Vancouver Chamber Now Accepting Nominations for 2025 Iris Awards Honoring Women of Achievement (Photo) - 11/19/24

Press Release  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
November 19, 2024 

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR 2025 IRIS AWARDS HONORING WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

Award recipients to be celebrated at the Iris Awards Luncheon, a cornerstone of the GVC’s Inspire HER Conference.

 

Vancouver, WA- The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 Iris Awards, an esteemed recognition honoring women who exemplify outstanding achievement, leadership, philanthropy, and community service in southwest Washington. Established in 2012, with roots as the "Women of Achievement" awards dating back to 1985, the Iris Awards honor remarkable women who positively impact their communities. 

The award recipients will be celebrated at the Iris Awards Luncheon on Thursday, March 13, 2025, during GVC’s Inspire HER Conference—a premier leadership event designed to celebrate and empower professionals. This annual gathering highlights women’s contributions and achievements across the region and serves as an inspiring platform for professional growth and recognition. 

“We are proud to continue this legacy with the Iris Awards, which showcase the strength and vision of women leaders in southwest Washington,” said John McDonagh, President & CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. “The contributions of these remarkable women have a lasting impact, and we look forward to honoring their work and commitment to our community.” 

Nominations for the 2025 Iris Awards are open to all, and submissions can be made online through the following link: https://form.jotform.com/243095510461148. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, January 14, 2025. For more information and a list of past Iris Awards honorees, visit the GVC website at https://www.vancouverusa.com/annual-events/past-iris-awards-honorees/.  

The 2025 Iris Awards Luncheon is made possible with the support of Presenting Sponsor Riverview Bank, as well as Award Sponsors Legacy Health and OnPoint Community Credit Union. To learn more about the awards, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket purchases for the Inspire HER Conference and Iris Awards Luncheon, please visit: VancouverUSA.com/InspireHERConference.  

About the Iris Awards

Wanting to recognize women of achievement in southwest Washington who exemplified leadership, philanthropy and community service was the inspiration for what is today the Iris Awards. This recognition program was launched in 1985 as Women of Achievement. For 39 years, the southwest Washington community has nominated outstanding women for recognition. The Iris Award was held to commemorate National Women’s History Month, to recognize International Women’s Day, and to honor volunteer efforts and community leadership of women in Clark County.   

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

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Iris Awards Official Link: 
https://www.vancouverusa.com/inspireherconference/#IrisAwards

Nomination Form:
https://form.jotform.com/243095510461148

Attached Media Files: GVC_2025_Iris_Awards.png
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Greater Vancouver Chamber Opens Registration for the 2025 National Civics Bee (Photo) - 11/14/24

Press Release  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
November 14, 2024 

 

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER OPENS REGISTRATION FOR THE 2025 NATIONAL CIVICS BEE

An annual competition designed to inspire the next generation of civic leaders.

 

Vancouver, WA- The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is excited to announce that it is accepting essay submissions for the 2025 National Civics Bee. Organized in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this educational initiative invites middle school students in southwest Washington to explore American democracy, enhance their civics knowledge, and compete for the chance to win recognition and cash prizes. 

Local 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are encouraged to participate in the first round of the competition: a 500-word essay. The prompt challenges students to identify an opportunity or problem in their community and propose potential solutions, stimulating thoughtful dialogue and encouraging young people to take an active role in their communities. Submissions will be accepted through February 4, 2025. 

Following an essay review by a panel of distinguished judges from local business and community leaders, the top 20 students will move on to the final round: a live quiz event designed to test their knowledge of civics. Thanks to our Civics Bee Technology Sponsor, Restoration 1 of Vancouver, each finalist will be gifted their very own tablet for use in the live quiz and to support their ongoing educational journey. 

“The National Civics Bee offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with issues that directly affect their communities while strengthening their understanding of the democratic process,” said Janet Kenefsky, Vice President of Membership and Operations for the Greater Vancouver Chamber. “We are thrilled to provide a platform where young voices can be heard and celebrated, and we encourage all middle school students in southwest Washington to participate.” 

The live quiz event will take in April 2025. The top three winners from the local competition will advance to the state competition, where they will have the chance to compete for further honors. 

In addition to the invaluable recognition, the winners will be awarded cash prizes: $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $125 for third place. 

For more information on the essay topic, submission guidelines, and competition rules, as well as access to the teacher and parent guides, please visit: VancouverUSA.com/NationalCivicsBee

Business leaders interested in sponsoring this program can contact the Greater Vancouver Chamber at yourchamber@vancouverusa.com

 

About the National Civics Bee

The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. In the first round of the contest, local middle school students participate in an essay competition. Judges will then select 20 finalists to participate in our local competition: a live quiz event testing civics knowledge. The top three students from each local competition will advance to the state competition. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this competition was launched to tackle the lack of knowledge about history and civics among middle school students, exposed by new federal data on the Nation's Report Card. In 2022, the average civics score at eighth grade decreased by 2 points compared to 2018.   

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

 

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Media Assets:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XdY9zjy3IEqxmNaaUuCUg2cNJEMa3c_f?usp=sharing

Official Program Link:
National Civics Bee 

Essay Submission Website:  
https://my.reviewr.com/NationalCivicsBee/site/NationalCivicsBee2025?utm_campaign=partners&utm_source=chambers&utm_medium=local

Washington State Civics Bee Competition:
https://youtu.be/38svQ8vZFIs?si=N-kQMN8koHgXfxm8   

Nation’s Report Card:
NAEP Report Card: 2022 NAEP Civics Assessment 

Attached Media Files: 2024_GVC_Civics_Bee.jpg