Champions of Commerce

The 2023 Champions of Commerce were recognized at the Champions of Commerce Gala on February 23, 2024.

Scroll down on this page to see the full list of winners and finalists in all categories, and view the full event photo gallery here.

COMPANY CULTURE HERO: The buzz in town is this is the place to work. Employees are valued and encouraged to actively participate in the growth and vision of the company. All employees feel appreciated and are provided with the opportunity to grow.

WINNER: Keurig Dr. Pepper

Finalists:
- Kanon Electric
- Red Dot Corporation
- MadCap Marketing
- Artistic Solutions
- Harnish Auto Family

EXCEPTIONAL BUSINESS ADVOCATE: This organization or individual understands the value of advocacy and supporting business-friendly policies that will remove barriers prohibitive to growing business.

WINNER: David Montevideo | South Hill Mall

Finalists:
- JMJ Team
- WorkForce Central
- Ryan Windish
- Dean Johnson

COMMUNITY BUILDER: Recognizing that we all play a role in creating a vibrant community, this organization or individual flexes their muscles for the greater good of the community.

WINNER: JMJ Team

Finalists:
- All Things Fun Sports!
- Vanessa Barr
- Main Street Tattoo
- Jamie Gregory
- Arts Downtown

NEWSWORTHY NEWCOMER: This is a newer business (opened in our community within the past two years) that has achieved quick success while generating lots of buzz.

WINNER: Oxbow Urban Kitchen

Finalists:
- The Coaster
- Eternal Soul Bowl
- Main Street Tattoo
- Firehouse Pet Shop
- The Lazy Ballerina

FAVORITE DRINKING DESTINATION: Paying homage to our hops and vines heritage, this hangout beckons thirsty patrons with plenty of craft beer, wine and/or cider on tap.

WINNER: The Lazy Ballerina

Finalists:
- Purdy’s
- Windmill Bistro
- The Coaster
- Perry’s Cocktail Bar

HOSPITALITY HERO: This award celebrates those who go above and beyond to embody the true spirit of hospitality, leaving a lasting impression on patrons and setting a remarkable standard for the industry.

WINNER: Fika By Farm12

Finalists:
- Hampton Inn and Suites
- Fat Zach’s Pizza
- Grace Cambra – Edward Jones
- Washington State Fair
- Windmill Bistro

BEST OFFICE OUT OF THE OFFICE: This place is tops for working remotely or holding a business meeting.

WINNER: Electric Coffee

Finalists:
- Copper Coins
- Gravity Coffee – Sumner
- The Lazy Ballerina
- The Pink Chandelier

SUSTAINABILITY STEWARD: This prestigious accolade honors a LEED certified business that demonstrates unparalleled leadership in championing responsible utilization of our invaluable natural resources. Celebrating a commitment to environmental conservation and pioneering sustainable practices, this award acknowledges exemplary dedication to fostering a greener, more sustainable future.

WINNER: Pierce Conservation District

Finalists:
- Keurig Dr. Pepper
- Kaiser Permanente/Group Health Puyallup
- REI
- Pierce College – STEM Building
- W.S.U. Research and Extension Center

EQUITY ADVOCATE: This award recognizes an organization’s significant strides toward integrating diversity, equity, access & inclusion (DEAI) into their culture, or an individual’s efforts to increase awareness & adoption of DEAI initiatives in the local business community.

WINNER: WorkForce Central

Finalists:
- Pierce College
- Michael Dwyer
- Step By Step
- Absher Construction

OUTSTANDING VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS: This distinguished accolade celebrates an outstanding veteran-owned business that exemplifies resilience, leadership, and exceptional contributions to the business world. Recognizing the courage, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit of veterans, this award highlights the positive impact of their businesses on the community and economy.

WINNER: Veteran Security Operations

Finalists:
- Kanon Electric
- Pinot’s Palette
- Tacoma Trophy
- F45 South Hill
- HOTWORX South Hill
- Keys Investments LLC

CHARITABLE CHAMPION: This accolade recognizes an individual or organization whose unwavering commitment and exceptional efforts have significantly contributed to making a positive impact on communities through fundraising and charitable initiatives.

WINNER: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Finalists:
- See Ya Later Foundation
- Amazing Landscape Services
- Reality Sports
- Vadis
- New Beginnings Homes

CHAMBER CHAMPION OF COMMERCE: This organization or individual is an all-around Chamber Champion of Commerce, supporting the Chamber and embodying the pioneering spirit of our community. Presented by MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital

WINNER: Elder Logistics

Finalists:
- Sharp Business Systems
- Fiesta Taqueria
- The Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse
- Jamie Gregory
- Daffodil Bowl/Fitness Quest

AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR: This award recognizes that you take pride as an Ambassador to the Chamber and you display extraordinary commitment to volunteering whenever, and however and are dedicated to helping membership retainment, recruitment and promotion.

AMBASSADORS OF THE YEAR:
- John Bick, Bick Insurance Agency (not pictured)
- Ben Edwards, Care Net of Puget Sound
- Grace Cambra, Edward Jones (not pictured)

CHAMBER WAKE UP HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST: An accolade celebrating unparalleled warmth and efficiency in fostering connections. This distinguished honor recognizes an organization/business whose exceptional hosting skills have not only facilitated networking opportunities but also created an inviting atmosphere where relationships thrive and business connections flourish.

WINNER: New Beginnings Homes

Finalists:
- Pierce Conservation District/All Things Fun Sports!
- Red Canoe Credit Union
- Main Street Tattoo
- Clover Park Technical College Aviation Campus
- The Money Store

PUBLIC OFFICIAL PARTNER: We are fortunate in our community to have such great support from our public officials. We have four honorees this year that we wish to show our gratitude to for their support in 2023.

Honorees:
- Mayor Kathy Hayden, City of Sumner
- Mayor Jim Kastama, City of Puyallup
- Representative Eric Robertson (31st Legislative District)
- Pierce County Councilmember Paul Herrera

JOHN PORTER MEMORIAL AWARD: This award recognizes exceptional leadership of a cause, program or project, which makes a significant impact on the community and reflects the spirit of community pride and progress.

WINNER: Renee McClain

Finalists:
- Robert Kaelin
- Dean Johnson
- Shellie Willis
- Kyle Hardtke