 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.  For the past five years, we’ve kept our dues the same while continuing to grow our programs, events, and community support. Like many of you, we’ve seen our expenses increase, and it’s time to make an adjustment so we can keep serving you and the Covington business community at the level you expect.
Starting December 1, 2025, our membership rates will increase as follows:
These new rates will apply to new members starting December 1 and to current members when it’s time for your next renewal. In addition, we are reducing the early bird discount for calendar year renewals from 10% to 5%. We will phase out the discount next year. We understand rate changes aren’t easy, and we appreciate your continued partnership. This update will help us cover rising costs while still offering the advocacy, networking opportunities, events, and resources that make being part of the Covington Chamber so valuable. Our goal is to avoid any further rate increases in the foreseeable future. Thank you for being part of the Covington Chamber family. Your support helps our local business community thrive! |
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