The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized several businesses, nonprofits and community leaders during its annual meeting and awards luncheon on March 25.

Recipients of the three marquee Business of the Year awards were:

• Business of the Year: Ice Harbor Brewing Company
• Small Business of the Year: Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business
• New Business of the Year: Grumpy Monkey Cookie Co.

For these three awards, judges evaluated nominees based on business growth and financial success; long-term sustainability and growth plans; community involvement; and innovation and adaptability. 

Small businesses are those with fewer than 50 full-time employees, and new businesses are those founded less than three years ago.

Regional chamber membership is required for these awards.

Nonprofit of the Year

Kennewick-based Columbia Ability Alliance received the Nonprofit of the Year award, which recognizes an organization that has achieved success during the prior year while positively impacting the community. Regional chamber membership is required for this award. 

Spirit of the Tri-Cities Award

The Tri-Cities Cancer Foundation was recognized for demonstrating exemplary leadership and community engagement to positively impact the quality of life in the region. Criteria includes impact, volunteerism, creating a positive community image and more. Regional Chamber membership is not required for this award.

Other regional chamber awards

• S.T.A.R. Award: Brian Moreno of Steward Leaders. This award is presented to a volunteer who goes above and beyond for the regional chamber. S.T.A.R. is an acronym for service, time, attitude and reliability.
• Tom Powers Ambassador of the Year Award: Chad Yost of HAPO Community Credit Union. The regional chamber’s Ambassador Club member earning the most points by attending and volunteering at chamber functions wins this award.
• Board Members of the Year: Trish Herron of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Jennifer Cunnington of Q Home Loans; and Tyler Best of Abadan.
• Community Partner Impact Award: Ben Franklin Transit. The award is presented to a nonprofit or government entity that provided the chamber with the most financial support over the previous year.
• Corporate Partner Awards: Top Investors: HMIS, Bechtel, PNNL, Columbia Basin College, Kadlec, HAPO, Numerica Credit Union, Tire Factory and STCU.
• Corporate Impact Award: Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure, or H2C. This award is given to the business that provides the regional chamber with the most financial support over the previous year. 
• Business Champion of the Year: State Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco. This debut award recognizes an elected official for fostering a strong business climate and job creation.