COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE AWARDS
The Community Excellence Awards is an annual event hosted by the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce to recognize outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals who contribute to the strength and vitality of the region. By combining the former Business Awards Showcase and Community Awards, this event brings together a wide range of achievements into one unified celebration. Nominations for most awards are made by members of the Walla Walla Valley community to center those making an impact in their communities.
Held each December, the awards highlight those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and a strong commitment to the community. The evening will be a celebration of our local spirit, bringing together business leaders, community advocates, and residents to honor those who inspire us all.
The Categories nominated by members of the Walla Walla Valley community:
- Agribusiness of the Year
- Business of the Year
- Duane Wollmuth Catalyst Award
- Nonprofit Organization of the Year
- Business Leader of the Year
- Future Business Leader (High School Graduating Senior)
- Entrepreneur of the Year
The Categories nominated by their respective organizations:
Hometown Heroes
- Educator of the Year
- Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
- Firefighter of the Year
Higher Education Community Service Award
- Walla Walla Community College
- Whitman College
- Walla Walla University
Wednesday, December 16th, 2026
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Baker Boyer Lobby
SPONSORS
Nominations Close November 13, 2025Â Â Please note Chamber Staff and individual Board members are not eligible. Businesses may not be nominated until three years past any award has been granted to them.Â
BUSINESS AWARDS
Agribusiness of the Year
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 2024-2025 school year and attending a Walla Walla Valley High School or homeschool.
HOMETOWN HERO AWARDS
Educator of the Year
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
HIGHER EDUCATION AWARDS
Higher Education Awards for Community Service
Walla Walla University, Whitman College and Walla Walla Community College present and celebrate outstanding individuals within their communities.
Pictures from previous award ceremonies
