MEDIA ADVISORY: 2026 National Civics Bee (Photo) - 04/06/26

EVENT PRESS RELEASE  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
April 6, 2026

MEDIA ADVISORY: Civics Bee

WHAT: 2026 National Civics Bee- Southwest Washington Regional Competition

WHEN: Monday, April 20, 2026 

TIME: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM  

WHERE: Kiggins Theatre (1011 Main St. Vancouver, WA 98660) 

OVERVIEW: 

The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and presenting sponsor OnPoint Community Credit Union, proudly hosts the 2026 National Civics Bee® – Southwest Washington Regional Competition. 

This high-energy, fast-paced competition brings together 20 outstanding middle school students from Battle Ground, Camas, Evergreen, and Vancouver school districts, along with homeschool programs. Each finalist earned their place by excelling in a competitive essay round and will now take the stage to test their knowledge of U.S. government, history, and civic engagement. 

Thanks to our Civics Bee Technology Sponsor, Sigma Design, each finalist will be gifted their very own tablet for use in the live quiz and to support their ongoing educational journey. 

Participants will compete for top honors and the opportunity to advance to the state-level competition, taking one step closer to the National Civics Bee® Championship. 

Judges include: 

• Trang K. Lam – Executive Director, Port of Camas-Washougal 
• Ethan T. Perry – Executive Director, Port of Ridgefield 
• Nelson Holmberg - Chair, GVC's Government and Public Affairs Committee

WHY THIS MATTERS:
At a time when civic engagement is more important than ever, the National Civics Bee® equips students with the knowledge and confidence to become informed, active participants in their communities. This event highlights the importance of civic education while showcasing the next generation of leaders in Southwest Washington. 

WHY COVER THIS EVENT:

• Visual, high-energy student competition in a historic theater setting  
• Inspiring stories of local youth leadership and academic achievement  
• Opportunity to interview students, judges, and community leaders  
• Strong ties to civic education and community engagement 

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

PROGRAM LINK: Civics Bee

MEDIA ASSETS: 
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1at1LVQBboN2l22fBhIha14o-H6W4rfBq?usp=sharing 

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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 more than 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. 

Greater Vancouver Chamber Announces Leadership Expansion In Membership Relations & Engagement (Photo) - 03/30/26

Press Release   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
March 30, 2026

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP EXPANSION IN MEMBERSHIP RELATIONS & ENGAGEMENT 
Jeana Fink promoted; James Oneil joins to support continued regional growth

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is proud to announce a strategic expansion of its Membership Relations & Engagement team with the promotion of Jeana Fink and the addition of James Oneil. Together, these leadership appointments reflect the Chamber’s continued investment in strengthening business connections and advancing regional engagement across Southwest Washington.

Since joining GVC in 2021, Fink has played a pivotal role in growing and diversifying the Chamber’s membership base. Her efforts have brought new and emerging industries into the organization while strengthening relationships with long-established businesses throughout the region.

In her expanded role as Membership Relations & Engagement Director, Fink will lead strategic initiatives to drive membership growth, deepen business relationships, and enhance engagement across Southwest Washington. Her leadership will be instrumental in elevating the Chamber’s visibility and impact while fostering meaningful connections within the business community.

“Jeana has consistently demonstrated a strong ability to connect with businesses, understand their needs, and deliver meaningful value,” said John McDonagh, President & CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. “Her forward-thinking approach and commitment to our members make her exceptionally well-suited to lead this next phase of growth and engagement.”

Joining the Chamber this month, Oneil brings more than 25 years of experience in business development and community partnership leadership. A familiar and respected presence in the local business community, he has built a career focused on creating strategic relationships and driving organizational growth across corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, and education sectors.

In his role as Membership Relations & Engagement Director, Oneil will work alongside Fink to expand the Chamber’s reach, support member success, and strengthen partnerships that contribute to a thriving regional economy.

“James brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of relationship-building across multiple sectors,” added McDonagh. “His energy, insight, and strong community ties will further enhance our ability to serve and grow our membership.”

Together, Fink and Oneil will help lead the Chamber’s efforts to connect businesses, foster collaboration, and support long-term economic vitality throughout Southwest Washington.

To learn more about the Greater Vancouver Chamber team, visit: https://www.vancouverusa.com/gvc-team 

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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.

Media Assets: 
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13ioWX1TDdFF7SD34o_iHS8V7yNsqU79I?usp=sharing