The Covington Chamber of Commerce honored local businesses, organizations and community leaders during its 2025 Business Excellence Awards on March 25, recognizing contributions to economic growth, leadership and community service.
The annual event, held with a “Night at the Museum” theme, brought together members and guests to celebrate achievements across the Covington business community.
“We want to extend our thanks and congratulations to our 2025 award winners, finalists and nominees for their outstanding service to the community,” said board chair Rod 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.”
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:
- Elk Run Farm
- Ensemble Ballet Theatre
- Firehouse Subs
- KD Water Systems
- Jenn Sparks at Multi Service Center
- PNW Cheesecake Company
- South East Asian Mart
- Stottle Winery
- TLC Krafty Designs
- Trapper’s Sushi Co.
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:
- Dahlia Nails
- Erica Miller, EDM Consulting
- Ensemble Ballet Theatre
- Firehouse Subs
- Elif Mokran, British Swim School
- Susie Parr, Our Hive Juicery and Happy Lemon
- Keylona Temeyosa, New Craft Different Day
- Trapper O’Keefe, Trapper’s Sushi Co.
- TLC Krafty Designs
- Jean Wall State Farm
- Stottle Winery
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:
- Brad Belcher, Bicycle Rescue for Youth
- Rich Cieslikowski, Auto Chlor
- Myung Hong
- Cari Korpi
- Bryan LaBelle, Edward Jones
- Rod Meyers, Covington Community Church
- Bridget O’Connor, Red Canoe Credit Union
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 and Lifestyle Medicine
Other Nominees:
- Covington Library
- Rich Cieslikowski, Auto Chlor
- Edward Jones members Scott Beusch, Greg Greynerovich, Stephanie Hawes, Bryan LaBelle, Dave Wilson, Saggau Wealth Management
- Red Canoe Credit Union
- Justin VanLandschoot
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:
- British Swim School
- Green River College and Green River College Foundation
- Bryan LaBelle, Edward Jones
- Lifestyle Medicine
- Malone’s Landscape
- Red Canoe Credit Union
- Ristrettos
- TLC Krafty Designs
- Jean Wall State Farm
- Valley Medical
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:
- Children’s Therapy Center
- Eileen and Callie’s Place
- Elk Run Farm
- Multi Service Center
- See Ya Later Foundation
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 commitment has left a lasting impact.
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 with 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.
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 him 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 leaders.
About the Covington Chamber
The Covington Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1992, supports businesses and organizations in the greater Covington area through advocacy, networking and educational opportunities. More info here: https://www.covingtonchamber.org
Photo courtesy Pooja Anoop Photography.
