Thank you to the 760 attendees who celebrated with the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce (TCRCC) at the 2025 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, March 26 at the Three Rivers Convention Center. The Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon is a celebration of the accomplishments of TCRCC and its members. Click on the awards below to learn about the winners and why they were selected. Thanks to Breshears Professional Photography for the wonderful photos and Spotted Fox Digital Marketing for the exceptional videos! Business of the Year - Bouten Construction Company
Nominations for the newly established Business of the Year award opened in January. Like the New Business of Year and Small Business of the Year awards, nominees were evaluated on financial success, community involvement, innovation, and more. Unlike the other awards, this award has no qualifiers for when the business opened or how many people they employ. The first ever Business of the Year Award went to Bouten Construction Company. Bouten nearly doubled their revenue since 2022 and substantially increased their employee count. They are known for building some of the region's most anticipated projects, including a new hospital in Prosser, a recovery center in Kennewick, and the upcoming aquatics center in Pasco. Small Business of the Year - Paragon Corporate Housing
Paragon Corporate Housing received the first ever Small Business of the Year Award. This award was intended for a business with 50 employees or fewer. Paragon saw major revenue and workforce growth in 2024. Paragon was founded in the Tri-Cities in 1996 and has grown to serve Fortune 500 clients in multiple states while maintaining deep community roots. New Business of the Year - Tee Time
Tee Time received the first ever New Business of the Year Award. This award is intended for a business less than three years old that has achieved success while positively impacting the community.
Tee Time opened in May of 2024 and became profitable within two months. Since opening, they’ve worked with countless other businesses and non-profits with their fundraisers, including the Big Bro Joe Foundation, Hayden Homes, and the Alzheimer’s Association. Non-Profit of the Year - Benton Franklin Fair Association
The Non-Profit of the Year Award, formerly the Non-Profit on a Roll Award, went to Benton Franklin Fair Association (BFFA). BFFA generates $18.5 million annually in economic impact to the region, supports youth agriculture programs, and awards thousands in scholarships. The Benton Franklin County Fair is more than an annual celebration; it’s also a mission-driven non-profit committed to strengthening the Tri-Cities region. Spirit of Tri-Cities Award - 3 Rivers Community Foundation
The new Spirit of Tri-Cities Award is intended for a business or organization that has demonstrated exemplary leadership and community engagement to positively impact the quality of life in the region.
Nominations were submitted to the Chamber’s Awards and Recognition Committee. The Committee narrowed the pool down from 12 nominees to three finalists. From there, the finalists were sent to the Regional Chamber’s Stakeholder level members to select the ultimate winner. The award recipient was selected because, like the Stakeholder level members, they represent the spirit of Tri-Cities. The first-ever Spirit of Tri-Cities Award went to 3 Rivers Community Foundation (3RCF). 3RCF hosts the largest grant ceremony in the region, recognizing non-profit work. Over the past 25 years, they have awarded nearly $9 million in grants. Chamber S.T.A.R. Award - Randy Hayden
The Chamber S.T.A.R. Award is presented to a volunteer who goes above and beyond for the Chamber. S.T.A.R. is an acronym for service, time, attitude, reliability. Randy Hayden's leadership, dedication, and vision have propelled a major initiative forward in a truly remarkable way. As Chair of the Ag Council, he’s helped transform what was once just an idea into a tangible, game-changing opportunity for our region - an Ag Innovation Center. Tom Powers Ambassador of the Year Award - Lori Powell
Each quarter, members of the Regional Chamber's Ambassador Club earn points by attending and volunteering at Chamber functions. The Ambassador who earned the most points in 2024 was Lori Powell, making her the Tom Powers Ambassador of the Year. If you have attended any ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours, or Chamber luncheons, chances are that you have met Lori. In addition to her usual Ambassador volunteering, Lori also served as a networking expert at a recent Ask the Experts workshop. Community Impact Award - Benton County
The Community Impact Award is presented to the non-profit organization or government entity that provided the Chamber with the most financial support over the previous year. Since 2022, Benton County has partnered with TCRCC to offer the Business Resource Initiative Program (BRI). Through Benton County BRI, the Regional Chamber awarded a total of $3 million in grant funds to Benton County businesses that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Corporate Impact Award - Bechtel
The Corporate Impact Award is given to the business that provides TCRCC with the most financial support over the previous year. Bechtel is a Stakeholder-level member of TCRCC – that’s the highest level possible. In addition, Bechtel is the premier sponsor of the Chamber’s largest event – the Tri-Cities Women in Business Conference. They also sponsor the Chamber’s annual report, the Elected Leaders Reception, the Tri-Cities Diversity Summit, and more.
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Thank you to the 760 attendees who celebrated success with the Regional Chamber at the 2025 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, March 26 at the Three Rivers Convention Center. Thanks to Breshears Professional Photography for snapping these wonderful photos! Awardee Portrait GalleryLuncheon & Program GalleryBusiness Expo GalleryCongratulations to Spotted Fox Digital Marketing on being selected as the Regional Chamber's Outstanding Member of the Month for August 2024. Spotted Fox CEOs, Nathan Robertson and Brad Sappenfield, have both generously donated their time to share their wisdom during the Chamber's Ask the Experts workshop series. Additionally, Spotted Fox partners with the Regional Chamber on our three largest events: the Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon, the Tri-Cities Diversity Summit, and the Tri-Cities Women in Business Conference. The fantastic Spotted Fox video team is responsible for creating the awardee profile videos shown at these events, which highlight the exceptional businesses and leaders that make the Tri-Cities a great place to live, work, and play. Congratulations, Spotted Fox! Thank you for being a member of the Tri-City Regional Chamber! Thank you to the 650 attendees who celebrated with the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce (TCRCC) at the 2024 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, March 20 at the Three Rivers Convention Center. The Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon is a celebration of the accomplishments of TCRCC and its members. Click on the awards below to learn about the winners and why they were selected. CHAMBER S.T.A.R. AWARD - Matt sweezea, primerica
The Chamber S.T.A.R. Award is presented to a volunteer who goes above and beyond for the Chamber. S.T.A.R. is an acronym for Service, Time, Attitude, Reliability. Matt Sweezea served seven years on the Regional Chamber's Board of Directors and Executive Committee - from 2017 and 2023. He also served as treasurer in 2022 and 2023. In addition to volunteering in this leadership capacity, Matt is very active in the Chamber, participating in many events and ribbon cutting ceremonies. COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD - BENTON COUNTY
The Community Impact Award is presented to the non-profit organization or government entity that provided the Chamber with the most financial support over the previous year. Since 2022, Benton County has partnered with TCRCC to offer the Business Resource Initiative Program (BRI). Through Benton County BRI, the Regional Chamber awarded a total of $3 million in grant funds to Benton County businesses that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. CORPORATE IMPACT AWARD - WASHINGTON RIVER PROTECTION SOLUTIONS
The Corporate Impact Award is given to the business that provides TCRCC with the most financial support over the previous year. Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) is a Stakeholder-level member of TCRCC – that’s the highest level possible. They are also the sponsor of the Small Business Incentive Program, which annually provides $30,000 in grant funds to small businesses in the Tri-Cities. WRPS is also the sponsor of the Meet the Buyer program, connecting businesses with government agencies and prime contractors. NON-PROFIT ON A ROLL AWARD - THERAPEUTIC RIDING OF TRI-CITIES (TROT)
The Non-Profit on a Roll Award recognizes a non-profit organization that achieved great success over the previous year while positively impacting the community. The mission of Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities (TROT) is to promote physical, psychological, and social well-being of people with special needs by providing animal-assisted therapies and activities. TROT experienced significant growth in 2023 and were very involved with the community. Most importantly, their work made an impact on our region through bridging the gap between individuals with special needs and the transformative power of equine therapy. SMALL BUSINESS ON A ROLL AWARD (1-10 EMPLOYEES) - STRICKER CRE
The Business on a Roll Awards recognize TCRCC members that achieved significant success over the previous year. Criteria includes revenue, sales, employee growth, awards, and community involvement. Stricker CRE was selected because of their impressive growth in revenue, clients, and staff size. They are also committed to helping local non-profits and giving back to the community. MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESS ON A ROLL AWARD (11-50 EMPLOYEES) - AGAPE PEDIATRIC THERAPY
The Medium-Sized Business on a Roll Award went to Agape Pediatric Therapy. The Regional Chamber's Awards and Recognition Council was impressed by Agape's staggering list of community involvement, including their dedication to helping the future workforce through partnering with Tri-Tech Skills Center. LARGE BUSINESS ON A ROLL AWARD (OVER 50 EMPLOYEES) - HEALTH FIRST URGENT CARE
The Large Business on a Roll Award went to Health First Urgent Care. Health First has been operating in the Tri-Cities since 2020, offering a high-quality level of customer service, medical experience, and commitment to health and wellness to all their patients. The woman-owned business nearly doubled their staff size in 2023. Health First's community involvement includes school sponsorships, food drives, and partnerships with local senior living care facilities to support seniors during the holiday season. Thank you to the 600 attendees who celebrated with the Regional Chamber at the 2023 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, March 22 at the Three Rivers Convention Center. Thanks to Breshears Professional Photography for snapping these wonderful photos! Luncheon & Program GalleryVIP Reception GalleryBusiness Expo GalleryThank you to the 600 attendees who celebrated with the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce (TCRCC) at the 2023 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, March 22 at the Three Rivers Convention Center. The Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon is a celebration of the accomplishments of TCRCC and its members. Click on the awards below to learn about the winners and why they were selected. Click the award categories below to learn more about this year's recipients. cHAMBER S.T.A.R. AWARD - RYAN WELD, TIRE FACTORY
The Chamber S.T.A.R. Award is presented to a volunteer who goes above and beyond for the Chamber. S.T.A.R. is an acronym for Service, Time, Attitude, Reliability. Ryan serves on the Executive Committee of the TCRCC Board of Directors. He also was the first to raise his hand to participate in the inaugural Tri-Cities Regional Career Signing Day - agreeing to offer graduating high school seniors a full-time job, benefits, and the promise of training and mentoring so they had the best chance at success. Not only that, but Tire Factory was the first business to invest in TCRCC's Stakeholder level of membership - the highest tier. cOMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD - BENTON COUNTY
The Community Impact Award is presented to the non-profit organization or government entity that provided the Chamber with the most financial support over the previous year. This year's Community Impact Award went to Benton County. Last year, Benton County partnered with TCRCC to launch the Business Resource Initiative program (BRI). Through BRI, TCRCC disperse a total of $3 million in grant funds to Benton County businesses that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. CORPORATE IMPACT AWARD - WASHINGTON RIVER PROTECTION SOLUTIONS
Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) is a Stakeholder-level member of TCRCC – that’s the highest level possible. They are also the sponsor of the Small Business Incentive Program, which annually provides $30,000 in grant funds to small businesses in the Tri-Cities. For the past 11 years, WRPS has been the premier sponsor of the Tri-Cities Women in Business Conference, Eastern Washington’s largest career and professional development event for women. WRPS also sponsors the Meet the Buyer program – which supports the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). non-profit on a roll award - HEARTLINKS HOSPICE
New for 2023, the Non-Profit on a Roll Award recognizes a non-profit organization that achieved great success during 2022 while positively impacting the community.
The mission of Heartlinks Hospice and Palliative Care is to enrich the quality of one’s life and recognize its worth by providing comfort, care, and support on life’s journey. They experienced success last year, but more importantly they received numerous industry awards and recognition for their compassionate and comprehensive end-of-life care. BUSINESS ON A ROLL AWARD (1-10 EMPLOYEES) - IT HAVEN
The Business on a Roll Awards recognize TCRCC members that achieved significant success over the previous year. Criteria includes revenue, sales, employee growth, awards, and community involvement.
The Business on a Roll Award for a business with 1-10 employees went to IT Haven. IT Haven was selected due to their impressive growth in revenue, clients, and staff size. They are also committed to helping local non-profits, such as United Way and Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities. BUSINESS ON A ROLL AWARD (11-50 EMPLOYEES) - MEIER ARCHITECTURE ENGINEERING
The Business on a Roll Award (11-50 Employees) went to Meier Architecture Engineering due to their tremendous growth in revenue in 2022. The TCRCC Awards and Recognition Committee was impressed by their staggering list of community involvement, including charity work with the Union Gospel Mission, Red Cross, and Senior Life Resources. Additionally, Meier has done design and planning work to improve the neighborhood where they’re located: historic Downtown Kennewick.
BUSINESS ON A ROLL AWARD (OVER 50 EMPLOYEES) - PRIME DENTAL
![]() (left to right) Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Executive Director of Communications and External Engagement Jaime Shimek, Prime Dental Co-Owner Dr. Jason Madsen, Prime Dental Co-Owner Paul Madsen, Prime Dental Co-Owner Dr. Michael Maxfield, Prime Dental Co-Owner Dr. Wesley Karlson, and 2023 TCRCC Board Chair Jim Arneson
The Business on a Roll Award (Over 50 Employees) went to Prime Dental. They have been operating in the Tri-Cities for 40 years, first in West Richland, and in 2022 they opened a new branch in Pasco. Their organization operates on the philosophy of removing barriers for patients and granting access to quality, affordable dentistry.
Prime Dental saw so many new patients in 2022 that they were invited to speak at a dental marketing convention in Las Vegas to outline their growth strategy. Their community involvement includes school sponsorships, volunteer work, and a free dental day for those who can’t afford dental services. Congratulations to Mutant Printing & Promotions on receiving a 2022 Entrepreneurship Award! The Tri-City Regional Chamber nominates a business every year, along with Port of Benton, TRIDEC, and Fuse SPC.
The Regional Chamber nominated Mutant Printing & Promotions due to their rapid rate of growth since opening their doors in 2018. Not only do they serve our community's needs, but they also give back to local non-profits on a regular basis with their fundraising efforts. Thank you to the Richland Rotary Club for hosting the awards program on November 15 and congratulations to all of the winners! Thank you to the 500+ attendees who celebrated with the Regional Chamber at the 2022 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, May 25 at the Three Rivers Convention Center. It was the Chamber's first in-person Annual Meeting since 2019 - and we were thrilled so many people gathered with us to celebrate success. Thanks to Breshears Professional Photography for snapping these wonderful photos! Business Expo GalleryLuncheon & Program GalleryVIP Reception GalleryTogether Again... Celebrating Success: Looking Back at the 2022 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon5/27/2022 Thank you to the 500+ attendees who celebrated with the Regional Chamber at the 2022 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, May 25 at the Three Rivers Convention Center. It was the Chamber's first in-person Annual Meeting since 2019 - and we were thrilled so many people gathered with us to celebrate success. The Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon is a celebration of the accomplishments of the Regional Chamber and our members. The following Chamber members were honored with awards at the event. ![]() Chamber S.T.A.R. Award Chris Rivard Christopher E Rivard P.S. The Chamber S.T.A.R. Award is presented to a volunteer who goes above and beyond for the Chamber. S.T.A.R. is an acronym for Service, Time, Attitude, Reliability. Chris Rivard served as the Chair of the Regional Chamber's Board of Directors in 2020. During his final year on the board in 2021, Chris served both as Past Chair and Treasurer. ![]() Community Impact Awards Columbia Basin College & Washington State University Tri-Cities The Community Impact Awards are presented to the non-profit organizations that provided the Chamber with the most financial support over the previous year. This year's Community Impact Awards went to Columbia Basin College (CBC) and Washington State University (WSU) Tri-Cities. Both CBC and WSU Tri-Cities have been instrumental contributors for the Washington Workforce Portal - an online portal that connects employers with students and educators for meaningful internships. Both organizations also continue to sponsor the Tri-Cities Diversity Summit and both have been active members of the Regional Chamber for many years. Additionally, both CBC and WSU Tri-Cities and their teams are involved in the Education Council for the myTRI 2030 Regional Vision Project. ![]() Corporate Impact Awards Battelle & Washington River Protection Solutions The Corporate Impact Awards are presented to the for-profit organizations that provided the Chamber with the most financial support over the previous year. This year’s Corporate Impact awards went to Battelle that operates Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS). Both Battelle and WRPS are stakeholder-level members – that’s the highest level possible. Battelle is a founding investor in the myTRI 2030 regional vision project and the premier sponsor of the Tri-Cities Diversity Summit. Additionally, Battelle is a partner in the Washington Workforce Portal. WRPS is the sponsor of the Small Business Incentive Program and the premier sponsor of the Tri-Cities Women in Business Conference. They also sponsor the Meet the Buyer – which supports the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). Both organizations also are represented on the chamber’s Board of Directors and have been for many years. ![]() Business on a Roll Award - 1-10 Employees Express Employment Professionals The Business on a Roll Awards recognize Regional Chamber members that achieved significant success over the previous year. Criteria includes revenue, sales, employee growth, awards, and community involvement. The Business on a Roll Award for a business with 1-10 employees went to Express Employment Professionals. Express was selected because of their impressive growth in revenue and paid associate placements - meaning they were able to put a significant amount of people to work in 2021. Express Employment owner, Jason Jones, is also heavily involved in the local business community – including volunteer work as a Chamber Ambassador and serving on the Chamber’s Local Government Affairs Committee. ![]() Business on a Roll Award - 11-50 Employees Sculpt Wellness The Business on a Roll Award for a business with 11-50 employees went to Sculpt Wellness. Since opening in 2016, Sculpt has seen significant growth in all award criteria. They have more than tripled their customer volume, services, and staff. Due to their significant growth, they’ve just opened a second location in Pasco. ![]() Business on a Roll Award - Over 50 Employees North Wind Solutions The Business on a Roll Award for a business with over 50 employees went to North Wind Solutions. North Wind has been in business in the Tri-Cities for 20 years. They received a major contract with Hanford Mission Integration Solutions – which was a catalyst for their major growth in revenue. The awards and recognition committee was impressed with the seamless transition of over 300 employees in a short amount of time. ![]() Most Valuable COVID-19 Response Award Benton-Franklin Health District During the past two years, the Tri-Cities community has overcome incredible obstacles by demonstrating innovation, determination, and resiliency. This year, the Regional Chamber chose to honor a local organization with the "Most Valuable COVID-19 Response Award" - to celebrate an organization that stood out in our region during a trying time. This year's award went to the Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD). BFHD typically flies under the radar while adding a great deal of value to our community. But in March 2020, that changed - suddenly the Health District was looked to for leadership in an unprecedented time. The Regional Chamber will honor an individual and a member organization with “Tri-Cities Champion of Diversity Awards” during the third day of the Tri-Cities Diversity Summit on November 17, 2021. The Chamber is asking for help from the community to identify the two most-deserving nominees. The Tri-Cities Champion of Diversity Awards aim to recognize and commend an individual and a member organization that have demonstrated outstanding achievements and sustained commitment to the pursuit of diversity and inclusion in the community and workplace. The nomination form and award criteria can be found here. The nomination deadline is Friday, October 22. 2020 Award Recipients: Jordan Chaney Jordan was selected for his dedication to raising issues of diversity, promoting inter-group relations among persons of different backgrounds, and participating in a variety of corporate or community events that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Pasco School District Pasco School District (PSD) was selected because of their commitment to a diversified workforce, exhibiting visionary and insightful leadership to resolve inequities, cultivating and promoting diversity initiatives, and more. PSD has a consistent message displayed in their actions of being focused on every individual student. Their leadership is exemplified in their goals, their practices, and their community presence. |
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