Annual Awards Dinner

Presented by Silver Reef Casino Resort

Thursday, November 19, 2026
5:00-8:30 PM
Silver Reef Casino Resort

Every year, the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrates excellence in our business community at the Annual Awards Dinner, presented by Silver Reef Casino Resort.

Finalists are nominated for recognition by the public and chosen by a selection committee. Winners of Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Solo & Small Team Business of the Year and Nonprofit of the Year are voted on by Chamber members and announced at the Annual Awards Dinner.

Purchase tickets

Award criteria

Previous Award Winners

Lifetime Achievement Award Winners

TICKETS

Presenting Sponsor

Photobooth Sponsor

Dessert Sponsor

Meet the Finalists

Large Business of the Year

Businesses with more than 25 employees
Sponsored by VSH CPAs

Ecotech Solar

Member since 2026

Learn More

Founded in 2004, Ecotech Solar is a locally owned Bellingham company providing solar and battery-storage solutions to homeowners, businesses, nonprofits, Tribal communities, and public agencies throughout Northwest Washington. The company pairs more than two decades of renewable-energy experience with a strong focus on quality, long-term customer support, and community impact.

Peoples Bank

Member since 1986

Learn More

Founded in Lynden in 1921, Peoples Bank has grown to 23 branches, including nine in Whatcom County. As the only locally owned and operated bank in Whatcom County, Peoples Bank remains deeply committed to the communities it serves. Peoples helps individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals through personalized banking services, local lending, and financial expertise. Beyond banking, Peoples invests in its communities by supporting nonprofits, schools, and community organizations through charitable giving and volunteerism.

Village Books & Paper Dreams

Member since 2014

Learn More

Village Books & Paper Dreams is an independent Whatcom County bookstore located in Bellingham and Lynden. A longtime gathering place for readers, writers, and the broader community. From author events and book groups, to stationery and home decor, Village Books and Paper Dreams has created a space where ideas and people come together.

Small Business of the Year

Businesses with 6-25 employees
Sponsored by Washington Trust Bank

Garden Spot Nursery

Member since 2024

Learn More

Garden Spot Nursery is a locally owned neighborhood nursery in Bellingham’s Sunnyland neighborhood, offering plants, pottery, garden art, gifts, locally made goods and educational classes year-round. The business has also built a strong tradition of community involvement through classes, events, partnerships and support for local organizations.

Lummi Seafood Market

Learn More

Established in 2017, Lummi Seafood Market owner, lifelong fisherman, and veteran diver Terry Phair (Squad’dam’a’hon)—an enrolled Lummi Nation member—transforms Salish Sea harvests into community nourishment. Guided by Lhaq’temish values, he champions fishers, produces Salmon Woman canned goods, feeds families, and shares culinary heritage at Čha•k’os Fire Pit events.

Talbot Group

Member since 1992

Learn More

The Talbot Group is a Bellingham-based property management and development firm responsible for the real estate operations at Barkley Village. Talbot supports this 250-acre mixed-use urban village through leasing, facilities maintenance, tenant relations, and a year-round calendar of free community events. Talbot is also growing Barkley Village through new development, including The Manning apartments currently under construction and a recently announced community center in partnership with the Whatcom Family YMCA.

Solo & Small Team Business of the Year

Businesses with five or fewer employees
Sponsored by Trans Mountain

Diventa Solutions

Member since 2023

Learn More

Diventa Solutions helps organizations and their people navigate change through AI consulting and integration, change management, leadership and team development, coaching, facilitation, and training. Founder Garry Priam brings more than 20 years of organizational-development experience to helping businesses and organizations build stronger teams, develop leaders, and thoughtfully adapt to new technology and organizational change.

Joey Winkler Videography

Learn More

Joey Winkler is a Bellingham-based filmmaker and photographer whose work is rooted in telling the real stories behind businesses, organizations, and people. Through thoughtful storytelling, he helps bring their identities, values, and passions to life. Blending filmmaking, photography, and creative strategy, he creates authentic content that goes beyond being seen. It builds meaningful connections and lasting relationships.

Limitless Law

Member since 2014

Learn More

Limitless Law PLLC is a Bellingham law firm focused on making the legal system easier to understand and navigate for individuals, families, and businesses. The firm provides services including estate planning, probate, real estate, business law, and LGBTQ+/polyamory law while using accessible communication and technology to help clients address legal needs proactively.

Nonprofit of the Year

Community Boating Center

Learn More

The Community Boating Center expands access to Bellingham Bay through small-watercraft education, safe recreation, and marine stewardship. Its youth and adult programs, rentals, guided experiences, and community sessions help people of varying ages and experience levels safely connect with and learn from the marine environment.

Deming Logging Show

Learn More

Since 1963, the Deming Logging Show has celebrated Whatcom County’s rich logging heritage while making a meaningful difference in the lives of local families. This volunteer-driven nonprofit brings the community together through its annual logging show, showcasing the skill and traditions of the timber industry while raising funds to support loggers and their families impacted by workplace injuries or fatalities. Rooted in tradition, generosity, and community pride, the Deming Logging Show continues to honor the people who have helped shape our region.

YWCA Bellingham

Learn More

YWCA Bellingham plays an important role in strengthening our community by empowering women and families, providing essential housing services, and creating pathways to stability and self-sufficiency with support from our intensive case management team. Through shelter programs, permanent housing programs, scholarship programs, advocacy, and our social enterprise, Y’s Buys Thrift Boutique, YWCA Bellingham helps identify and address the needs of women, children, and families while strengthening our community as a whole.