Looking Back at the 2024 Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon

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

Non-Stop Local Tri-Cities Lead Anchor Liz Burch, Matt Sweezea, and TCRCC President & CEO Lori Mattson

​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

Marsh Mclennan Agency Personal Lines Director Roxann Shuck, Benton County Commissioner Michael Alvarez, and TCRCC President & CEO Lori Mattson

​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

TCRCC President & CEO Lori Mattson, WRPS President & Project Manager Wes Bryan, and President of Trios Health & Lourdes Health David Elgarico

The Corporate Impact Award is given to the business that provides TCRCC with the most financial support over the previous year. 
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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)

2024 TCRCC Board Chair Amy Basche, TROT Founder and Executive Director Cynthia MacFarlan, and Kadlec Director of Communication Emily Volland

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

2024 TCRCC Board Chair Amy Basche, Stricker CRE Owner and Designated Broker Derrick Stricker, and Partner of Prime Dental Partners Paul Madsen

​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

2024 TCRCC Board Chair Amy Basche, Agape Pediatric Therapy Owner and CEO Amy Low, and Sculpt Wellness Owner Lindsay Kirby

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

2024 TCRCC Board Chair Amy Basche, Health First Urgent Care Owner, CEO, and Medical Director Dr. Jyoti Kahlon, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Executive Director of Communications and External Engagement Jaime Shimek

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.