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
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