Hometown Hero Awards
Educator of the Year-Presented by Gesa Credit Union
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.
2021 Winner: Cathy Mebes, College Place High School
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year-Presented by Community Bank
Nominations for the Nick Henzel Community Service Award are being sought from the Walla Walla Sheriff's Office, Walla Walla Police Department, College Place Police Department, Washington State Patrol – Walla Walla Detachment, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife – Walla Walla County, and the Veterans Administration Police – Walla Walla. One Nominee from each Agency is requested. One Nominee will be selected for the award.
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.
2021 Winner, Trooper Tanner Dennison, Washington State Patrol
Firefighter of the Year-Presented by WWV Chamber of Commerce
Nominations are being sought from the City of Walla Walla Fire Department, College Place Fire Department, Walla Walla-Columbia County Fire District 2, Walla Walla County Fire District 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8, and the Milton-Freewater Fire Department.
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
2021 Winner, Lieutenant Paramedic Chris Worden
Higher Education Awards for Community Service
The Chamber will soon reveal the recipients of the Higher Education Awards. Walla Walla University, Whitman College and Walla Walla Community College will present and celebrate outstanding individuals within their communities.
Whitman College 2021 Recipient
Kynde Kiefel
Walla Walla University 2021 Recipient
Doug Taylor
Walla Walla Community College 2021 Recipient
Dr. Richard Middleton Kaplan
2020 Business Classic Golf Tournament Winners!
Thank you to our players, sponsors, volunteers and business partners for your support and participation in our 2020 Business Classic Golf Tournament Presented by Columbia REA.
Business After Hours
Women in Business
Women in Business is a new initiative from the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce established for women in business who wish to build a strong network of women intent on inspiring one another to achieve individual potental; support each other in business endeavors; and create a legacy through mentorship.
This quarterly lunch meeting series provides dynamic speakers along with a networking platform that inspires, educates, and empowers women to grow and succeed in business and leadership. We believe that we are stronger together, and that we can create significant change for ourselves, our workplace, and our community when we connect with other women‐in‐business, at all levels of our careers. Join us!
Ribbon Cuttings
Thank you for your interest in having the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce participate in your Ribbon Cutting. We want you to have a wonderful and successful experience so here are a few guidelines and suggestions we hope will help you plan for the event.
Who can schedule a ribbon cutting?
Any Chamber member in good standing may schedule a ribbon cutting. This ceremonial event is often used when a business has:
- Recently opened
- Moved to a new location
- Has been remodeled or has expanded its current location
- Is celebrating a milestone anniversary
- Is under new ownership/management
Holiday and weekend ribbon cuttings have low attendance from the business community and chamber staff may not be available. We have found that the best time to schedule your ribbon cutting is Monday-Friday. Since Chamber ribbon cuttings are business to business events, we do not recommend you schedule your event on a weekend. Business members are best available at the end of the work day (4:00pm – 5:30pm). Additionally, the Chamber will not schedule the same day as other ribbon cuttings. The Chamber cannot guarantee the number of guests in attendance.