 City of Covington wins 2025 Business Excellence Award. Photo courtesy of Pooja Anoop Photography. COVINGTON, Wash. (March 31, 2026) — The Covington Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the outstanding achievements of local businesses, organizations and community leaders at the Night-at-the-Museum themed 2025 Covington Chamber Business Excellence Awards on March 25. The annual event brought together members and guests for an inspiring evening, recognizing those who are making a meaningful impact across the Covington business community. This year’s awards highlighted excellence in leadership, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, economic impact and community service. With dozens of nominations, the awards reflect the strength, collaboration and innovation that define the Covington business community. Rising Star Award The Rising Star Award celebrates a new Covington Chamber member who immediately jumped in with enthusiasm and purpose. Their leadership, involvement, and passion for making a difference truly reflect the spirit of a rising star. Winner: British Swim School – Renton-Covington Finalist: Happy Lemon Covington Other Nominees:
Entrepreneur of the Year Award This award recognizes a standout Covington area business that exemplifies innovation, leadership and engagement. With a strong entrepreneurial mindset and active chamber involvement, the recipient makes a lasting impact on the local business community. Winner: Stephanie Hunziker, Hunziker Real Estate Finalist: Diana Patterson, The Patterson Team Other Nominees:
Chamber Volunteer of the Year This award honors an individual whose time, energy, and leadership help strengthen the Covington Chamber. This volunteer consistently steps up to support members, build connections and advance the chamber’s mission. Winner: Daman Khatra Finalist: Dr. Wade Barringer, Kent School District Other Nominees:
Covington Economic Impact Award The Covington Economic Impact Award honors significant contributions to economic growth in the greater Covington area. Through innovation and collaboration, the recipient strengthens the local economy and improves the business climate. Winner: Regan Bolli, City Manager, City of Covington Finalist: Josh Lyons, Pinnacle Wellness & Lifestyle Medicine Other Nominees:
Business Excellence Award The Business Excellence award honors a member business that exemplifies workplace excellence through a strong, people-centered culture. By valuing employees, supporting professional growth, and fostering engagement, this business sets a high standard for leadership, performance and community impact. Winner: City of Covington, Washington Finalist: Weatherly Inn of Lake Meridian Other Nominees:
Nonprofit Excellence Award The Nonprofit Excellence Award honors a nonprofit whose dedication and service strengthen the greater Covington community. Through impactful programs, outreach, and charitable efforts, this organization improves lives and inspires positive change. Winner: The Storehouse Finalist: Vine Maple Place Nominees:
Jeff Wagner Community Champion Award Named for Jeff Wagner, a founding member of the Covington Chamber and passionate supporter of the Covington community, this award was created to celebrate a servant leader whose heart for service and commitment to community have left a lasting impact. The recipient leads with integrity, listens with intention, and inspires others through action and example. Recipient: Debby Hartsock Debby has been actively serving the Covington community in a variety of roles for nearly two decades, including serving on the Covington City Council and volunteering for and supporting The Storehouse, Covington Chamber, Covington Rotary, and the Kent Guild of Seattle Children’s Hospital. She leads with both strength and heart, stepping in where needed, guiding others forward, and lifting up those around her. Above all, she embodies grace, integrity, and a deep commitment to service. Honorary Lifetime Membership and Key to the Chamber Recipient: Jeff Wagner The evening concluded with special recognition honoring Jeff Wagner. Board chair Rod Meyers presented Jeff with an honorary lifetime membership and the Key to the Chamber in appreciation of his extraordinary service as one of the Covington Chamber’s founders and longtime chamber leader. “We want to extend our thanks and congratulations to our 2025 award winners, finalists and nominees for their outstanding service to the community,” said Meyers. “They represent the best of us while setting a high standard for others to follow. We are proud to call them members and to help them grow and thrive.” The Covington Chamber wants to thank the event sponsors who made the evening possible: presenting sponsor and host Weatherly Inn; dessert sponsor Ube Overload; photography sponsor Pooja Anoop Photography; awards sponsor C and B Awards; gift basket sponsor Apple Blossom Gift Baskets; and floral sponsor Iris & Peony. The Covington Chamber congratulates all nominees, finalists and award recipients for their outstanding contributions and continued commitment to excellence. About the Covington Chamber of Commerce Since 1992, the Covington Chamber of Commerce has supported businesses and organizations in the greater Covington area through advocacy, connections and community. They provide a strong support network, access to resources, and educational opportunities to help Covington area businesses and organizations grow and thrive. Photos courtesy of Pooja Anoop Photography with a few candid photos by Dana Neuts.  The Covington Chamber Business Excellence Awards, proudly presented by The Weatherly Inn, invites you to an unforgettable evening — “A Night at the Museum.”
Step into a world where history meets achievement as we honor our outstanding Covington Chamber business winners and finalists. This elegant and exciting evening will shine a spotlight on the innovators, leaders, and community champions who make our business community extraordinary. Savor the Experience Enjoy delicious appetizers and desserts from around the world as you stroll through fun museum-style exhibits. Celebrate & Win Take part in exciting raffle prizes. Proceeds from the raffle tickets benefit the Good Work Fund. Honor Excellence Applaud the remarkable businesses whose passion and dedication continue to shape and strengthen our community. This is more than an awards ceremony — it’s a celebration of excellence, culture, and connection. Dress to impress and prepare for an evening filled with flavor, fun, and inspiration. We can’t wait to celebrate with you at this spectacular Night at the Museum! Register here: $50 per person includes heavy appetizers, dessert, 2 drink tickets, awards program, museum exhibits, and event photos. Raffle tickets are sold separately. Note: We are limiting the event to the first 40 RSVPs, so reserve your space today!  UPDATE: The deadline for nominations has been extended until Wed., Feb. 18, 2026 at 5 p.m. It’s time to shine a spotlight on the businesses and leaders who make our community thrive! Nominations are now open for the 2025 Covington Chamber Business Excellence Awards, celebrating the innovation, leadership, and impact of our local business community and chamber members. Know a business, organization, or individual who deserves recognition? Don’t wait--nominations are due by 12:00 PM on February 15, 2026. Help us celebrate excellence in Covington by submitting your nomination today! Scan the QR Code above or follow this link: https://form.jotform.com/260277299892171 For a complete list of active Covington Chamber members, visit our online Member Directory. Award CategoriesRising Star Award The Rising Star Award celebrates a new Covington Chamber member who joined within the last 18 months and immediately jumped in with enthusiasm and purpose. This business has built strong relationships, supported fellow members, and shown a genuine commitment to the chamber and the Covington community. Their leadership, involvement, and passion for making a difference truly reflect the spirit of a rising star. Entrepreneur of the Year Award The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes a standout Covington-area business that exemplifies innovation, leadership, and engagement. Through a strong entrepreneurial mindset and active chamber involvement, the recipient makes a lasting impact on the local business community. Business Excellence Award The Business Excellence Award honors a Covington-area business that exemplifies workplace excellence through a strong, people-centered culture. By valuing employees, supporting professional growth, and fostering engagement, this business sets a high standard for leadership, performance, and community impact. Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award The Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award honors an individual whose time, energy, and leadership help strengthen the Covington Chamber. Whether formally or informally, this volunteer consistently steps up to support members, build connections, and advance the chamber’s mission. Nonprofit Excellence Award The Nonprofit Excellence Award honors a nonprofit whose dedication and service strengthen the greater Covington community. Through impactful programs, outreach, and charitable efforts, this organization improves lives and inspires positive change. Covington Economic Impact Award The Covington Economic Impact Award recognizes a business, organization, or initiative that has made a significant contribution to economic growth in the greater Covington area. Through innovation and collaboration, the recipient strengthens the local economy and business climate. Jeff Wagner Community Champion Award Named for Jeff Wagner, a founding member of the Covington Chamber and passionate supporter of the Covington community, this award celebrates a servant leader whose heart for service and commitment to community have left a lasting impact. The recipient leads with integrity, listens with intention, and inspires others through action and example. Celebrating our winnersWe will celebrate our winners at a special Business Excellence Awards ceremony, presented by the Weatherly Inn at Lake Meridian. Wed., March 25, 2026
6 to 8 p.m. Weatherly Inn at Lake Meridian Emcee: Jeff Wagner, Covington Councilmember and Chamber Board Member Tickets are limited to the first 40 guests. Pricing, registration link, and other event details coming soon! |
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