Community Excellence Awards

COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE AWARDS

The Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce enhanced its annual awards ceremonies by merging the Business Awards Showcase and the Community Awards into a single event last year. This new celebration honors both local businesses and community leaders, showcasing the incredible contributions they make to our vibrant region.

The event, now titled the Community Excellence Awards, highlights a diverse range of achievements across various categories. We recognize outstanding businesses and individuals who exemplify excellence and commitment to the community.

The Community Excellence Awards is on December 10th, starting at 5:30pm at the historic Baker Boyer Bank building in downtown Walla Walla. The evening is celebration of our local spirit, bringing together business leaders, community advocates, and residents to honor those who inspire us all.

Tickets for the Community Excellence Awards will be available starting October 30th. For more details about the event, including sponsorship opportunities and ticket information, please contact the Chamber office at (509) 525-0850.

We encourage community members to submit nominations to recognize the outstanding contributions of local businesses and individuals.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration as we honor the champions of our community!

Wednesday, December 10th, 2025

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Baker Boyer Lobby

7 W Main St

Walla Walla

BUSINESS AWARDS

Agribusiness of the Year

Nomination Form

The Agribusiness of the Year Award recognizes a person, business or organization that has been instrumental to the success and excellence of agriculture in Walla Walla Valley, either as a farmer or in an agriculturally related field.

Business of the Year

Nomination Form

This Business of the Year Award recognizes a company in business (existing for more than 3 years) that shares a commitment to professional excellence, business growth, resilience, and provides an important resource for our community.

Duane Wollmuth Catalyst Award

Nomination Form

The Duane Wollmuth Catalyst Award recognizes an individual, business or organization that collaborates and motivates to make BIG things happen in the Walla Walla Valley and contribute to it's future sustainability and quality of life.

Non-Profit Organization of the Year

Nomination Form

The Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award recognizes successful and impactful philanthropic efforts that bring significant benefit to the Walla Walla Valley and/or its residents.

The nominated organization must be an active 501(c)3, (c)4 or (c)6 organization located and operating in the Walla Walla Valley Area.

Start-Up Business of the Year

Nomination Form

The Start-Up Business of the Year Award recognizes a start-up company (existing for 3 years or less) that has successfully created a business plan, obtained financing, and opened its doors. Every start-up has its own journey to success, and nominees of this award show a path of growth, resiliency, strong business practices, and job creation.

Business Leader of the Year

Nomination Form

The Business Leader of the Year Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates a history of vision, service, and leadership for the betterment of the Walla Walla Valley.

Future Business Leader of The Year

Nomination Form

Awarded to a high school senior who displays leadership qualities every day- qualities like honesty, integrity, dependability, respectfulness, and compassion. This student succeeds in academics as well as community service and serves as a role model to their peers.

Student must be a senior during the 2023-2024 school year and attending a Walla Walla Valley High School or homeschool.

HOMETOWN HERO AWARDS

Educator of the Year

Nomination Form

The purpose of the Educator of the Year Award is to recognize excellence in the teaching profession and to inform our community of the exceptional quality of instruction delivered in the Walla Walla Valley. Nominees should stimulate learning through teaching, advising and/or counseling, modeling of scholarship; involving students in the learning process; expressing genuine concern for the student as a whole; setting high standards; enthusiasm and passion for their field and/or subject matter.

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

The Nick Henzel Community Service Award recognizes the significant contributions, character and dedication of an individual. Law Enforcement Officers serve their communities in many different ways; they monitor criminal activity, take part in community patrols, respond to emergency calls, and much more including being role models of community responsibility. This award is to be presented to an Officer who has distinguished himself/herself through outstanding performance above and beyond the call of duty through service to their community.

Firefighter of the Year

The Firefighter of the Year award recognizes the significant contributions, achievements, character and long-term dedication of an individual. Firefighters serve their communities in many different ways; responding to emergencies, organizing safety events, and being role models of community responsibility. The candidate must demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to firefighting