Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces Finalists for Annual Awards

Nine local businesses and three nonprofits were selected as finalists for the Annual Awards Dinner, held November 19th

The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce announces the finalists who will be recognized at the 2026 Annual Award Dinner presented by Silver Reef Casino Resort on November 19th. The event honors excellence in the Whatcom County business community with several awards including Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Solo & Small Team of the Year, and Nonprofit of the Year.

Following a public nomination period, finalists were selected by a committee of representatives from local businesses and Chamber programs. Chamber of Commerce members can now vote to select a winner in each category.

In addition to these four categories, the Chamber will recognize the Hotel Bellwether as the Tourism Business of the Year and Francine St Laurent as the Young Professional of the Year. They will also present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Harlan Kredit and Ron Polinder, whose sustained leadership, service, and commitment as educators and community members have made an extraordinary and lasting impact on our region.

Since 2005, the Chamber of Commerce has recognized over 200 businesses and nonprofits across Whatcom County for their excellence at Annual Awards Dinners.

“Celebrating local business is some of the most important work that we do as a Chamber,” said Guy Occhiogrosso, President & CEO of the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce. “It’s an opportunity to honor the hard work, innovation, and community spirit of local business leaders.”

The Annual Awards Dinner will be held November 19th from 5:00-8:30PM at the Silver Reef Casino Resort. Tickets to the event are available on the Chamber website.

The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce has been the leading advocate for businesses in the Northwest Washington region for over 110 years. The Chamber advocates for a strong business community and aims to make the Bellingham and Whatcom County area a great place to live, work, shop and play by influencing public policy, aiding in economic development, and helping its members succeed.